COMMUNITY MANACEMENT OF NATURAL 
ESOURCES IN HILLSIDE ACROECOSYSTEMS 
OF LATIN AMERICA 
ANNUAL REPORT 
OCTOBER 2001 
í!RCSOc:JlJ 
''11 ' ' Cenuo lnlernaclon•l de Agriculhn Tropocal 
lnleml!iOn-' C.nler fO< Tropicll Agncuhure 
PROJECT PE~3 
COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN 
HILLSlDE AGROECOSYSTEMS OF LATIN AMERICA 
ANNUAL REPORT 2001 
Octo ber 2001 
When the Board of Trustees visited the reference sites of the CIAT Hillsides project in Central 
America in June th is year, Collette Girard, the Board Member who has accompanied and helped 
us for the last five years, captured in her notebook the beautiful view from her room in Yorito . 
We wish to thank her for all her support and the insightful interpretations she has a lways made of 
our work, and for offeri ng us the chance to give our Annual Reporta meaningful cover. 
Project PE-3: Community Management of Natural Resources in Hillside 
Agroecosystems of Latín America 
CONTENTS 
Executive Summary 
Project Overview 
Project Work Breakdown Structure 
Project Logical Framework 
Major Highlights 
Output 1: Production systems improved 
1.1 Ex-ante evaluate improved system alternatives (identify markets, 
1 
1.1.1 
1.1.2 
1.2 
1.2.1 
1.2.2 
perform simulation modeling) 
Socialize with producers the results. of production models at farm leve! 
Validate at farm leve! the linear programming model for evaluating 
production systems (Not reported on this year) 
ldentify new alteroatives for improving production systems 
Participative workshop on the evolution of production systems 
Introduce and participatively evaluate new genetic materials of annual crops 
in the SOL 
1.2.3 Design new production systems based on crops with market optíons and on 
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7 
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management of soil fertility 21 
1.2.4 Evaluate the compatibiljty of new rotation components to diversify traditional 
productíon systems 21 
1.2.5 Evaluate grains and forage 1egumes in the SOL and on producers' farms 22 
1.2.6 Quantify the performance of animals in traditional and 
improved pastures in SOL 25 
1.2. 7 Define the potential of cover species for soil improvement 25 
1.2.8 Quantify the efficiency of combining organic and inorganic sources in the 
production of annual crops (Not reported on this year) 
1.2.9 Select species for live barriers that improve producer income and conserve soils 27 
1.2.1 O Select bushy species with potential of being used as improved fallow 
(Not reported on this year) 
1.2.11 ldentify nutrients that 1imit productivity of the systems in the reference si tes 28 
1.3 
1.3.1 
Validate new alternatives and improved practices 
Validate, on producers' farms, the promising management options that 
come from the SOL 
31 
31 
1.4 
1.4.1 
1.5 
1.5 .1 
Pro mote and support multiplication of successful aJternatives 
validated at farm level 
Support the establishment of PES prototypes in the projecrs reference si tes 
Monitor and evaluate the adoption of validated improvements 
Evaluate the functioning ofthe SOL monitoring system 
Output 2: More sustainable landscapes 
2.1 Benchmark status report at the landscape level (study land use, aoalyze 
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sustainability) 3 5 
2.1.1 Edaphically characterize the reference watersheds for the Manejo Integrado 
de Suelos (MIS) consortium (San Dionisia, la Dalia, and Congolón) 35 
2.1.2 Compile and analyze infonnation on river flow and sedimentation in the 
Tascalapa watershed 36 
2.1.3 Establish the water balance of the Jalapa watershed 38 
2.1.4 Ethnobotanical study of native plants as indicators of soil quality 
in the Calico River watershed 40 
2.1.5 Analysis and mapping of vegetation in the Wibuse/Jicaro watershed 41 
2.1.6 Socioeconomic characterization ofthe Calico River watershed 41 
2.1. 7 Monitoring the socioeconomic impact of land ownership on the level of well 
beíng of small-scale producers (Reported jointly under 2.1.8) 
2.1.8 Elaborate the San Dionisia baseline 41 
2.1.9 Characterization of the state of degradation of production systems 
in Wibuse/Jicaro (Reported in Soils PE-2 Annual Report) 
2.2 Ex-ante evaluate alternative scenarios of landscape management 44 
2.2.1 Apply the Soil and Water Assessment Too! (SWAT) model for quantifying 
river flow and sedimentation in the Jalapa w~tershed 44 
2.2.2 Validate the model of accessíbility for small-scale coffee processors 44 
2.2.3 Extrapolation: Spatial Quantile Regressions (tool) and carrying capacity estimates 45 
2.3 Develop aod apply the methodologícal tools for natural resource management 
at landscape Jevel 47 
2.3.1 Finalize and socialize the Rural Atlas ofNicaragua 47 
2.3.2 Finalize and socialize the Rural Atlas ofMatagalpa with environmental indicators 47 
2.3.3 Participative diagnostic on the use and state of water and determine 
local indicators of water quality (Not reported on this year) 
2.3.4 Determine bio-indicators of soil quality based on invertebrate communities 48 
2.3.5 Guide on the use of mapping and photo-topographical analysis for 
evaluating natural resources at watershed level 48 
2.3.6 A disaster prevention and response demonstration product 48 
2.4 Promote and ímplement consortia for landscape management 49 
2.4.1 Prepare the Annual Operative Plan (AOP) of the MIS consortium 49 
2.4.2 Define the CLODEST AOP and fonn the San Dionisia 
Interinstitutional Consortium 50 
2.5 
2.5.1 
2.5.2 
2.6 
2.6.1 
2.6.2 
Strengthen participation of grass-roots organizations in consortia 
for landscape management 
Documentation ofthe processes of fonning networks oflocal organízations 
Establish a method offollow up and evaluation ofNRM projects in local 
organization networks (Not reported on this year) 
Monitor and evaluate landscape changes 
Analyze and monitor the waters of the Tasca lapa River watershed 
(Not reported on this year) 
Analyze and monitor rainfall distribution at watershed level 
Output 3: Organizations strengthened 
3.1 
3.1.1 
3.1.2 
3.1.3 
3.1.4 
3.1.5 
3.1.6 
3.2 
3.2.1 
3.2.2 
3.2.3 
3.2.4 
3.2.5 
3.3 
3.3.1 
3.3.2 
3.3.3 
3.3.4 
3.3.5 
Develop and/or validate methods and tools for developing and strengthening 
key organizations 
Validate the Guide for establishing small seed enterprises 
Apply the methodology of levels ofwell being at curricular leve! 
(Not reported on this year) 
Elaborate a manual for postharvest ofbasic grains 
Elaborate a teaching booklet for preparing community projects 
Elaborate a Guide on monítoring and participatíve evaluation at the 
leve! of grass-roots organizations 
Elaborate the second edition ofthe Guides on Informed Decision Making 
for Sustainable Natural Resource Management and the new poster 
presentation of the Guides 
Train local, regional, and national organizations in the use of methodologies 
and/or tools developed by CIAT 
Monitor Action Plans of institutions trained in the use of the project tools 
Strengthen the national training teams 
Develop learning alliances in establishing rural agroenterprises with CRS, 
CARE, World Vision, and CASM 
Support natíonal and intemational traíning workshops 
Support the incorporation of the methodological tools iñ organizations 
by means of training and consultancy 
Strengthen small-scale producers, managers, and local, regional, and 
national organizations through participatory investigative methods 
Support the consolidation of development committees ofRural 
Agroenterprises in Y o rito and Sulaco 
Support the identification, evaluation, and design of the Coffee and Seeds PPis 
in the Tascalapa River watershed 
Consolidate the local support system for small rural agroenterprises in 
Yorito-Sulaco (Reported jointly under 3.3 .1) 
Establish a monitoring and evaluation system for CLODEST, 
REDOL YS, and Campos Verd~s. 
Development of participatory research methods for forage-based technologies 
for smallholders 
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3.4 
3.4.1 
3.5 
3.5.1 
3.5.2 
3.5.3 
Suppor4 tbrough incorporating processes of participative investigation, 
local organizations oriented to agricultura) research 
Synthesize and analyze CIAL experiences in the Nicaragua reference site 
Promote and support interinstitutional processes and plans for sustainable 
rural development 
Document organizational processes in the reference sites 
Establish ajoint interinstitutional consortium for the San Dionisio Municipality 
Establish indicators of progress for organizational processes 
Output 4: Decision makers supported 
4.1 
4.1.1 
4.1.2 
4.2 
4.2.1 
4.2.2 
4.2.3 
4.2.4 
4.2 .5 
4.3 
4.3 .1 
4.3.2 
4.3.3 
4.4 
4.4.1 
4.4.2 
ldentify, at different levels, decision makers related with project 
tasks and diagnose their needs 
Participate in workshops and events organized by the project and other projects 
Identify the needs of training, research, and evaluation of impact of 
the partner organizations 
Support decision taking at different levels using tbe ioformation, 
and methodological tools generated by tbe project 
Strengthen the local Documentation Center of Y o rito 
Evaluate the impact ofusing the Atlas ofHonduras 
Web-based decision support system for radargrammetry 
User-friendly Web interface to unit-level census data 
Poverty targeting with local indicators 
Strengtbeo capacity for management and use of information, tools, and 
methods (train, diffuse, and follow up the process) 
Organize a workshop on results of the SOL in the reference si tes 
Develop research by youth groups for food security and natural resource 
management using participatory methodologies and simulation models 
Include Guides in postgraduate course 
Provide technical support for decision taking 
Support punctual training on the use of decision-making too ls at the request 
of institutions associated with the proj ect 
The Intelligent Team Decision Assistant (ITDEA) version 2 ready for release 
Output 5: Efficient, participatory project management 
5.1 
5.2 
5.2.1 
5.2.2 
Foster the active participation of partners in the planning of 
project activities in the region 
Actively and permanently coordinate the reference sites, projects, and 
individuals working in the region 
Coordinate project activities with other projects in the region 
Workshops for planning and evaluation of results with partners in SOL 
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Page 
5.3 Maintain an efficient information system of the project with its partners 108 
5.3.1 Update project Web page monthly 108 
5.3.2 Circulate the project bulletin 111 
5.3.3 Prepare and publish scientific articles, technical documents, and proceedings 
of al! workshops organized by the project 111 
5.3.4 Organization of information generated by the project 111 
5.4 Strengthen joint work with other projects and organizations 
5.4.1 Circulate final information ofthe Seeds ofHope Project 
5.4.2 Establish an F AO-CIAT agreement for the production of artisanal seed 
5.4.3 Establish an agreement with CARE, CRS, CASM, and World Vision 
to implement the Leaming Alliances 
5.4.4 Facilitate the- execution of Action Plans ofthe MIS 
5.4.5 Follow up undergraduate and postgraduate theses with students at 
educational centers at local, national, and intemationallevels 
5.5 
5.5 .1 
5.5.2 
5.6 
5.6.1 
5.6.2 
5.7 
-
Establish a participative system of monitoring and evaluation of the 
project to monitor its performance and feedback to planning 
Prepare 3-monthly reports-March, June, September, and December 
Carry out progress evaluatíon activities ofthe project to orient 
its future fulfillment 
Establish an efficient and participatory administrative system 
within the project 
Identify new opportunities of financing the project activities, prepare 
research proposals, and carry out follow up to these initiatives 
Assign resources for approved activities in the AOP 
Establish a system of efficient administration 
Pub1ications 
Donors 
Collaborators 
StaffLíst 
List of Acronyms and Abbreviations Used_ 
112 
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131 
Executive Summary 
Executive Summary 
This year we have had to deal with a second disaster- that of drought - following Hurricane 
Mitch. In a way this has forced us to see the necessity of including in our strategy, activities on 
disaster relief that are more research oriented and long lasting. Disaster rel ief, and not just 
research for development, has to be included into the agenda as part of our research and for 
immediate impact. A disaster prevention and response demonstration product is being developed 
(see 2.3.6) that will be of use in this area. The Atlas ofHonduras (see 4.2.2) has seen much ofits 
use related to Hurricane Mitch relief and response. We need to bring geographic information to 
bear on the problems of hazard response and planning. 
Last year, we identified that farmers first want food security and then seek alternatives that 
produce extra income. We are working on both these fronts. New materials, particularly of maize 
and beans, continue to be evaluated by researchers and by local groups and we are now 
introducing the idea of drought tolerance to help cope with climate change. The strategic 
research of CIA T in the SOL has one of its focuses on the use of multiple species to improve 
producers' food security and crop capacity to be integrated into the market (1.2.1). Drought 
tolerance is also investigated at SOL sites (1.2.2, 1.2.5, 5.1). The CIALs are being strengthened 
and empowered with new components of annual crops to diversify their systems of production to 
improve food security (1.3.1). See also 2.4.2 the food security project, 3.3.2 for work in the 
Tascalapa River watershed, and 5.4.2 for the FAO-CIAT agreement involving improved food 
security. 
We have looked further into the multi-scale approach to the region. We believe that we have to 
work on different scales-plot (Output 1), watershed (Output 2), and regional and national 
(Outputs 3 and 4)-and have to facilitate the cmmection between these different scales. We have 
work progressing at each ofthese Jevels. We have to develop strength at the local and landscape 
levels ifwe wish to have products that influence decision making at the larger scale. At the same 
time we must produce tools an'd information to facilitate decision mak:ing at larger scales (see 
under 2.2 and 2.3). 
-
For long-term sustainable impact we need to extend our work with the present adult population 
by targeting younger people, to empower young people by providing accurate and relevant 
information and involving them in teclmological advancement and the decision-making 
processes in the ateas where they live. A project to develop research by youth groups in food 
security and natural resource management (NRM) using participatory methodologies and 
simulation models has begun (4.3.2). Through this project we are contributing to the early 
involvement of rural youth in research, leading to the discovery and/or adaptation of practices for 
better food availability and NRM. 
We are moving!owards globalization, working with many principies that can be generalized and 
are not specific to the Central American countries where we are working. We are stretching out 
towards Haití {approved funding see 5.6.1 ), and Bolivia and Africa (development proposals). 
The idea is to take sorne of the more general "winner" technologies. O:S a starting point to connect 
1 
existing werk frem CIA T te CIA T -Africa and/er partners in ether places. A cash preblem is 
causing delay, and new activities in new geegraphic places always require more initial inputs. 
We have made every effert te fulfill the preject work plan, but activities were affected this year 
because severa! staff members left the preject, thus significan ti y constricting activities planned in 
Outputs 2, 3, and 4. Another restricting element was the drastic reduction of about 35% in the 
2001 operating budget. This had strong impacts en all project activities, but especially those ef 
Vicente Zapata (Output 3). Fer these reasens, we decided to concentrate our ecenomic and 
human reseurces on the activities reported here. 
We believe that our werk is notjust that ofPE-3, but rather calls en the strengths efother CIAT 
projects and partners as well. These help us produce inputs to the five different capitals (natural, 
physical, economic, human, and social) . An integrated appreach of activities that contribute to 
the five capitals can lead to a more holistic advance towards our goals. We need te identify, 
include, and push forward with partners the activities that are "winners"- those we feel will 
m ove us ahead. An exarnple of what could lead us into an upscaled impact would be the 
íntegration of geographic information systems (GIS), .monitoring and evaluation (M&E), drought 
tolerance, training, and formation of seed enterprises. This group of activities ceuld effectively 
deal with the situation ef disaster and lead into upscaling. 
Our major highlights give a summary ofmain achievements this year. We are loeking forward to 
a new CIAT structure that will better aggregate the strengths ofthe Center and that will allew 
CIA T projects te move together beyond eur present boundaries. 
2 
Project PE-3: Community Management of Natural Resources in Hillside 
Agroecosystems of Latin America 
Objectives: To improve the standard of living and food security of hillside fanners in tropical 
America, and make thei r interaction with the environment more sustainable. 
Outputs : 
(1) Improved production systems, (2) More sustainable landscapes, (3) Strengthened 
organizations, (4) Decision makers supported , (5) Efficient and participatory management 
system ofthe project. 
Gains: Farmers and locally organized producers use technologies, tools, and 
methodologies developed by CIA T and its partners at the level of reference si tes . Results are 
sustainable, production systems profitable, land use improved, and natural resources preserved at 
the landscape level. Partner organizations use technologies, tools, and methodologies developed 
by or with the project for their planning and activities at local, national, and regionallevels. 
Decision makers at different Jevels have more information, tools, and methodologies, provided 
by the project, to support their planning, monitoring, and decisions. 
Milestones: 
2001: 
2002: 
2003: 
Impact : Sustainable and profitable production systems, improved land use, and 
natural resource preservation on farms, spreading to the landscape within 
reference si tes. Strategic research: Partner organizations use the project's outputs 
for their activities at local, national, and regionallevels. 
Impact: Sustainable and profitable production systems, improved land use, and 
natural resource preservation at the landscape leve} within reference sites. 
Strategic research: Decision makers at local, national, and regionallevels use the 
project's results for their activities. 
lmpact: Sustainable and profitable production systems, improved land use, and 
natural resource preservation on fanns, spreading to the landscape beyond the 
reference sites. Strategic research: Decision makers at local, national, and 
regional 'Ievels use new results from the project for their activities. 
Users: Farming families and rural communities ofthe Andean and Central American 
hillsides. Project sites profit from increased community action aimed at sustaining the 
productivity ofthe resource base. As a result, off-site stakeholders benefit. National and 
intemational development organizations ínvolved in priority setting and investments in 
development. 
Collaborators 1: SDC, IDRC, DGIS, CIMMYT, CIP, IFPRI, IWMI, IICA, PASOLAC, CARE; 
universities ofFlorida, Wageningen, Edinburgh, Guelph, Nacional Agraria (Nicaragua); CURLA 
(Honduras); DICTA, fNTA, CONDESAN, CIPASLA, Campos Verdes, CLOs, CIALs, 
individual fanners. -
CIAT project linkages: Collaboration with the Ecoregional Program for Tropical Latín 
America, soils (PE-2), land use (PE-4), smallholder systems (PE-5), agroindustries (SN-1), 
participatory methods (SN-3), forages (IP-5), and impact assessment (BP-1) projects. 
1 See page 131 for acronyms in full. 
3 
1 
Output 1 
Project PE-3: 
Production systems 
improved 
1.1 Ex-ante evaluate 
improved system 
alternatives (identify 
markets, perfom1 
simulation modeling) 
1.2 Identify new altemarives 
for improving production 
systems 
1.3 Validate new 
altematives and 
improved practices 
1.4 Promete and support 
multiplication of 
successful alternatives 
validated at farm leve! 
1 
1.5 Monitor and evaluate 
the adoption of 
validated 
improvements 
Community Management of Natural Resources in Hillside Agroecosystems of Latín America 2001 
Project Objective 
To improve the standard of living and food security of 
hillside fanners in tropical America and make their 
interaction with the environment more sustainable 
1 
Output 2 
More sustainable landscapes 
2.1 Benchmark status report at the 
landscape leve! (study land 
use, analyze sustainability) 
2.2 Ex-ante evaluate alternative 
scenarios of landscape 
management 
1!.3 Develop and apply the 
methodological tools for natural 
resource management at 
landscape leve! 
2.4 Promote and implement 
consorria for landscape 
management 
2.5 Strengthen participation of 
grass-roots organizations in 
consortia for landscape 
management 
2.6 Monitor and evaluate 
landscape changes 
1 
Output 3 
T 
Organizations strengthened 
3.1 Develop and/or validate 
methods and tools for 
developing and strengthening 
key organizations 
3.2 Train local, regional, and 
national organizations in the 
use of methodologies and/or 
tools developed by CIA T 
3.3 Strengthen small-scale 
producers, managers, and local, 
regional, and national 
organizations through 
participatory invest igative 
methods 
3.4 Support, through 
incorporating processes of 
participative investigation, 
local organizations oriented to 
agricultura! research 
3.5 Promote and support 
. interinstitut ional plans for 
sustainable JUra! development 
1 
Output 4 
Decision makers 
supported 
4.1 ldentify, at different 
levels, decision-
makers related with 
project tasks and 
diagnose their needs 
4.2 Support decision 
taking at different 
levels using the 
information, tools, and 
methods generated by 
the project 
4.3 Strengthen capacity 
for management and 
use of information, 
tools, and methods 
(train, diffuse, and 
follow up the process) 
4.4 Provide technical 
1 support for 
decision taking 
Output 5 
Efficient, participatory 
project managemenl 
5.1 Foster the active partic ipation 
of partners in the planning of 
project activities in the region 
5.2 Actively and permanently 
coordinate the reference sites, 
projects, and individuals 
working in the region 
5.3 Maintain an efficient 
informal ion system of the 
project with its partners 
5.4 Strengthen joint work with 
other projects and organizations 
5.5 Establish a participative system 
of monitoring and evaluation of 
the project to monitor its 
perfom1ance and feed back to 
planning 
5.6 Establish an efficient and 
participatory administrative 
system within the project 
5.7 Establish a system of 
efficient 
administration 
PE-3 Logframe Work Plan, 2001-2003a 
Narrative summary Measurablc indicators Means of verification Important assumptions 
Goal • Reduced infant mortality National and local TI1e environmental, social, 
To improve the standard of living and food • Reduced maternal mortality statistics economic, and political 
security ofhillside farmers in tropical • Reduced soil erosion Local research 
conditions, on a macro leve!, are 
1 
America and make their interaction with the Improved water quality in rivers and streams 
maintained. 
1 
• environment more sustainable. 
1 • Increased income (monetary and/or in kind) 
Purpose • Groups residing at five work sites in Honduras Field verification Local partners continue project-
To strengthen local processes of sustainable and Nicaragua successfully implement land Institutional reports related activities. Donors remain 
rural development in the hillsides of tropical management initiatives consistent with those interested in the proposed project 
Ame rica, based on the experiences of natural o~es validated by the project and its partners objectives and continue to give 
resource management at benchrnark sites. • At least 15 key entities of the region ha ve suppot1. 
access to at least three tools and methods 
developed by the project 
OUTPUT 1 • Screening altematives in demonstration parcels Field verification That climate variability is normal. 
Improved production systems. Farmers use in San Dionisio, Yorito, and Cabuya) Project reports 1 
technologies developed by CIA T and its ("Supermarket of Options for Hillsides") CIAL reports 
partners to establish sustainable and profitable • Validating altematives in at least 25 CIALs in 
production systems. San Dionisia and Yorito 1 
1 
• Alterna ti ves adopted by at least 100 farmers at 
project work si tes 
• Successful aitematives being transfetTed to at 1 
leas! 12 sites other than the initial work sites 
OUTPUT2 • Three local consortia ofNRM operating at Consortia reports 
More sustainab1e landscapes. Land use has work sites in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Monitoring reports 
improved across the landscape because Jocally Colombia 
organized farmers are using the tools and • Five local consortia ofNRM in formation at 
methods developed by the project and its other si tes of Central and South America 
partners. 
• Stable water quality (sediments and 
contaminants) as integrating indicator of tÍ{e 
status of natural resources in at Jeast three 
watersheds at the work sites 
• Environmental monitoring initiated in at least 
two work sites in Honduras and Nicaragua 
--
Continued. 
a. For acronyms and abbreviations, see page 131. 
PE-3 Logframe Work Plan, 2001-2003• (Continued). 
Narrative summary Mensurable indicators Means of verificatíon lmportant assumptions 
OUTPUT3 • At least 25 CIALs operating at project work CIAL reports 
Strengthened organizations. Local and si tes Training reports 
national organizations involved in sustainable • At leas! 30 CIALs in formation at other work Institutional reports 
rural development at various levels (site, sites in the region 
national, regional) use the technical and • At least 20 national technicians n·ained and 
methodological resources ?eveloped by the promoting CIALs 
project in their decision making and other 
activities. Interinstitutional coordination is 
enhanced. 
OUTPUT4 • At least two teclmicians of each collaborating 
Decision makers supported. Decision institution trained and using tools developed by 
makers at various levels use and ha ve access the Project and its partners 
to more information, tools, and methods to use • Digital information (CD-ROM and Web site) 
in decision making, pla1~ning, and monitoring. available and accessible in Honduras and 
Nicaragua, and in process in other countries 
1 
• Local decision makers at the leve! of three 
1 municipalities with access to site-specific 
information on natural resources and trained to 
use this information 1 
OUTPUT S • Plans and reports opportunely prepared and Planning documents and 
Efficient, participatory project approved by previously established authorities reports 
management. Different interna! and extemal • Partners are well informed and actively Proceedings of 
partners directly participare in project participate in fieldwork at the project sites Consultative Group and 
management to ensure adequate and efficient (local consortia) or elsewhere Executive Comrnittee 
use of the project's resources. • National hillside consortia operating in meetings 
Honduras and Nicaragua Reports of members and 
• Regional hillside consortium operating consortia 
• Experiences and Jessons Jeamed by the project Dissemination materials 
and its partners disseminated in Latín America and project reports 
through different channels (e.g., networks, Direct verificatiori 
publications, meetings) through networks and 
consortia 
• New pi·ojects adopt methods, techniques, and 
experiences generated by the project and its 
pa1tners 
a. For acronyms and abbreviations, see page 131. 
Major Highlights 2001 
Output 1 Productioo systems improved 
The SOL is an initiative of the CIAT -Hillsides project to develop technological options that are 
economically viable and environmentally sustainable and to offer these to technicians, producers, 
and institutions. The experience generated by the alternative cropping systems work in the 
Colombian hillsides is an ingredient to the SOL in Nicaragua and Honduras. This year we are 
highlighting results from the SOL in Honduras. The participative evaluations with producers in 
Honduras performed in the grains and legume nurseries accelerated the knowledge and adoption 
offorages. Fifty-two producers have been testing improved grains and 37 forages, and 68% of 
producers are using their plots for seed multiplication. The criteria that prod'l:lcers most utilized in 
the process of selection wer_e abundance of foliage, quick growth, tolerance to d.rought, multiple 
uses, cover, and soil composting. Producer interest in legumes increased during this year. This is 
reflected in an increase of requests for seed. 
In arder to support the formation oftwo PES prototypes in the Honduras reference site to 
produce improved seed for the upper and lower parts ofthe watershed, organized producers were 
incorporated into the multiplication ofpromising materials from the SOL. The project is being 
executed by two groups of producers in the Department of Y oro; the first group started with six 
CIAL members and was established in 1999, the second was established in 1996 wi th the 
participation of26 partners. Both groups produced about 2.4 tons ofpure seed, which was sold to 
ll3 producers ofthe region. Producers were highly satisfied with the yields and the economic 
benefit that carne from the sale of improved seed. Producers of the regían had a high demand for 
seed. 
The monitoring system implemented in the SOL si te in Yorito, Honduras is permitting us to 
evaluate the efficiency of the SOL as a mechanism and exchange of knowledge and of materials 
with the producers ofthe region. It also permits quantifying the demand for technologies and the 
costs of production. The aim is to systematize the information generated through the visits of 
producers at SOL and from the activities of evaluation and exchange of materials and 
knowledge. During the monitoring period, 21 events were registered with producers of different 
communities of_Yorito, Sulaco, and Victoria, and the participation of316 men and 57 women. 
Output 2 More sustainable landscapes 
A georeferenced database is available ofthe edaphic resources ofthe watersheds ofthe Jalapa 
and Luquigüe Rivers. The object was to update the taxonomy of the soil of the study area 
through the knowledge of its interna! and externa! characteristics both physical and chemical. 
Most ofthe area studied has a steep topography with slopes greater than 60%. For this reason we 
recommend maintaining an adequate forest cover and agroforestry systems. Minimal farming 
and the use of soil conservation systems are required for the sustainable exploitation of areas 
with agricultura! possibilities. A database is also available of daily rainfall and distribution in the 
Tascalapa R.iver watershed, Honduras. We determined the variation in daily precipitation at 
watershed leve! by means of community participation that supports the systematization of 
ínformation and that serves as backup in decision takíng at local level. In the Tascalapa 
7 
watershed, we found that the change in the quantity ofrainfall can be dífferentiated and predicted 
according to altítude. The monthly distribution ofrainfall conditions crop sowing-dates, which 
begin in May and end in October. Two production cycles can be sown. 
The Comité Local para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Cuenca del río Tascalapa (CLODEST) is 
an organizatíon that groups together fam1ers taking decisions at landscape level. Work with 
CLODEST has been towards assuring the sustainability ofthe interinstitutional consortium 
through obtaining Legal Title, jointly developing projects, and the operation of working 
committees and self-management of funds. This has helped the empowerment of farmers whose 
decisions can affect the landscape. As a result of the strengthening of CLODEST, changes in the 
operation of its organizing structure were generated, especially for committee-level work. At the 
same time, the management of funds and interinstitutional coordination was improved. 
Output 3 Organizations strengthened 
The preparation, revision, and approval of Action Plans for follow-up purposes are part of our 
training strategy. This year a major effort was made in terms of following up the Action Plans 
(18) prepared by members of institutions attending the training events. The nongovemmental 
organization (NGO), Ecofuturo, worked intensively with 10 communities ofBolivar, Valle, 
Colombia in the application of four of the decision-support (DS) instruments. These 
communities in tum prepared Action Plans that were consolidated by Ecofuturo, in consensus 
with the communities, and later presented to the Mayor ofBolivar for his consideration. He has 
included this plan in the municipal agenda as the "Environmental Plan" for the municipality. 
CIAT is now lobbying before the State Watersheds Authority (CVC, its Spanish acronym) to 
motívate this organism to provide the funds for Bolívar to execute the plan. 
Trainers in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Colombia were trained to cany out the monitoring and 
evaluation of Action Plans. In three workshops designed for this purpose, a set of guidelines was 
presented to the trainer teams that included the guiding principies and the methodology to 
prepare the instruments to be applied during monitoring and the terms of reference for the 
preparation ofreports. The guide is entitled "Guia para el Seguimiento de Planes de Acción". As 
a result of the training, a set of instruments was prepared with the participation of trainers and 
CIAT professionals in charge of training activities. The tools were used during visits to Action 
Plan sites and were the basis for writing the ex-ante reports. We expect that this methodology 
and the instruments will be adjusted to the needs of Afiican Action Plans now underway and will 
be applied during ex-ante visits at the beginning ofnext year. 
Indicators of progress for organizational processes were developed for CLODEST in Honduras 
and Campos Verdes in Nicaragua as support tools for decision taking f~r local strengthening. 
The establishment and order oft~is series ofindicators, validated at the leve! ofthe local 
organizations, makes it possible for these to carry out monitoring before their activities. As a 
result oftheir own analysis they can also evaluate their organizational processes more precisely. 
These indicators also permit us to systematize the information and help the cornmunities improve 
decision taking with regard to their resources. The work on indicators with local organizations 
and consortia is a start to constructing a methodology of the causal routes of impact and 
indicators of activities. 
8 
Output 4 Decision makers supported 
An important function of the coordinators at country and reference si te levels is that of 
promoting events and participating in workshops to identify demands of research, traíning, and 
development that the project can contribute to resolve. Demands at local level were identified 
through planning workshops and presentation of SOL results. At national and regionallevels we 
have participated in fomms and meetings organized by national institutions and development 
projects. An inventory of project partners' demands was identified at local, national, and regional 
levels, and strategies of contribution were implemented. A greater compatibility exists among 
project activities and the demands perceived by producers and institutions that work in the area 
of agriculture and NRM. However, the low availability of resources limits the project's capacíty 
to attend these demands_ in a much more effective form. Punctual training was supported on the 
use of decision tools at the request of the proj ect' s partner institutions. Thirty institutions or 
organizations were given training in Honduras, 23 in Nicaragua, and 5 in Colombia. 
A Documentation Center was established in Yorito on February 16th this year. It aims to provide 
useful inforrnation to local stakeholders on topics relevant to the management oftheir natural 
resources, to train the local community in the use of computers and information, and to make 
DSS available at the locallevel. In the Center, people from the community are able to access 
technical documents about agriculture, the environrnent, food processing, woodwork, and 
administration. The main targets are technicians, and students from primary schools and high 
schools. We hope to reach farmers also, either directly or indirectly. 
The use and impact of the Atlas of Honduras were evaluated with a questionnaire and ínterviews 
- an empírica! component and a descriptive approach. This combined methodology has been 
recornrnended for information technology studies. Respondents to the questiormaire belonged to 
severa! organizational types, 75% were from either the natural resources management or 
agricultura! sectors; other sectors were included in the survey to a lesser degree. Seventy percent 
of respondents considered their knowledge of GIS fair, good, or very good, while 30% indicated 
that their knowledge of GIS was poor or very poor. For many ofthe latter, the Atlas was their 
first exposure to GIS. The Atlas hada very positive impact on decision making largely because 
users were able to obtain information pertinent to their work. In many cases, the infonnation in 
the Atlas indirectly supported decision mak.ing. Technicians, analysts, and decision makers alike 
perceived the Atlas as a useful tool. 
Output S Efficient, participatory project management 
In fostering the active participation of partners in the planning of project activities in the region, 
an exchange of research results has begun. Germplasm exchange was effected with partners in 
the refer:ence sites in Honduras and Nicaragua. A general policy for gerrnplasm distribution was 
establíshed in which every institution that is participating actively in the SOL Sites Network 
would be able to freely acquire seed for vetification trials ofvarieties. The SOL Sites Network 
was implemented at the level ofthe Tascalapa River watershed in Honduras. The SOL research 
model is beginning to show positive results in the integration of activities among institutions and 
the generation of improved options. Several of the materials selected in the SOL are already in 
the hands of producers. 
9 
The CIAT Web site in Cali is being redesigned and brought up to date with project information 
based on changes carried out by the Communications Unit. A user-friendly interface is available 
on the Hillsides Web page for consultation on the Cabuya! River watershed. Our Central 
American Web site gives access to partners in the region to the information generated by the 
project through a new Web page, which can be accessed at http://www.l23.hn/ciathill. 
Potential donors were identified for the project activities in Honduras and Nicaragua, and the 
development of specific proposals was initiated. Good possibilities exist of obtaining resources 
for the project, especially through the European agencies of cooperation in Nicaragua. The 
Hillsides Agricultura! Program in Haití (HAP) was approved for funding by the United States 
Agency for International Development (USAID) through Development Alternative Inc. (DAI), 
which is subcontracting CIAT. Our contribution to this project consists of a combination of 
outputs between germplasm (beans, cassava, and forages) and NRM projects (Hillsides and 
punctual contributions from other NRM projects). Other possibilities are being followed up with 
the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), lntemational Development Research Centre 
(IDRC), and partners in Bolivia and in Africa. 
10 
Output 1 Production systems improved 
1.1 Ex-ante evaluate improved system alternatives (identify markets, 
perform simulation modeling) 
1.1.1 Socialize with producers the results of production models at farro level 
Highlight 
./ Model of optimization of market optíons validated with producers 
Objective 
• Evaluate the utility of linear programming models to decide the options that adjust best to 
the resources of the producers 
Methods and Materials 
' ( 
This year, last year's results were valídated with a sample ofproducers from different 
communities in Yorito. The work consisted initially in compiling information through interviews 
of closed type with selected producers that represented the three typologies and the three types of 
access used for the development ofthe models. The information collected was: (1) availability of 
capital, land, and labor; (2) productive activities in the farm; (3) sale prices of products; ( 4) 
yields; (5) production costs; (6) labor used in each production stage; (7) destination ofthe 
products; and (8) number of processors. 
To better estimate the potential ofnew options in increasing the income ofproducers, the options 
were evaluated in several stages: 
(1) Design and development ofbase models of each farro before evaluating new production 
options; . 
(2) Evaluation ofthe new short-cycle options introducing them into the base models to be able 
to make recommendations for short-cycle options; . 
(3) Sensitivity analysis of availability of capital fer the adoption ofthe new short-cycle options; 
( 4) Sensitivity analysis of the availability of capital for evaluating all the options (short-cycle 
crops, perennial crops, and milk products); and 
(5) Evaluation only of options most preferred and classified as good by each category of 
producers. 
lndices of erosion for the different crops were introduced to the models developed with the 
purpose of evaluating the potential erosivity of the new production systems. 
Results and Discussion 
If the adoption of the new options is accompanied by an efficient commercialization, the 
maxímum monetary incomes obtainable with them are greater than the maximwn incomes 
possible with the present systems. Overall, considering the producers' optimurn use ofthe 
available resources at present, the model generates tomato and avocado as the most 
11 
recommendable options. Tomate harvesting is recommended in periods of high prices·. In case of 
greater availability of capital for investing in the other options, the models evaluate milk 
products as a more profitable option. However, their feasibility depends on an increase in the 
availability of liquid milk in the zone because producers have not the capacity for dairy cattle on 
their farms. 
Within the more profitable options are semi-mechanized bean production, sweet chili, cassava, 
red onion, plantain, and cabbage. However, these require the optimum combination of soil, 
capital, and labor resources that producers have. The sensitivity analyses of the options generated 
by the models indicated that the net incomes obtained with the promising options are sensitive to 
different coefficients of aversion to risk. The models developed can be useful tools for planning 
the adoption of improved systems at farm leve!, taking into account the producer' s resources. 
Nevertheless, other specific restrictions ofthe individual producer must be included -to offer 
adequate solutions for each case. Similarly, new methods of risk analysis must be adopted. 
Contributors: J Escolán (Escuela Nacional de Agricultura [ENA]), B Barbier (Centre de 
coopération intemationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement, 
[CIRAD]), O Mejía 
1.1.2 Validate at farm level the linear programming model for evaluating productioo 
systems 
This work is initiating and is not reported on this year. 
1.2 ldentify new alternatives for improving production systems 
1.2.1 Participative workshop on the evolution of production systems 
Highligbt 
../ The development of production systems was defined based on a workshop of reflection with 
21 farmers of the comrnunities of the Calico River watershed in San Dionisio 
Objective 
• Analyze agricultura! systems' problems of San Dionisio jointly with producers and to 
identify the entry points for research in Supermercado de Opciones para Ladera (SOL) si tes 
Metbodology 
The methodology used in this work was that ofparticipative reflection. The aim, through this 
methodology, was that all participants should ha ve the opportunity of expressing their points of 
view, and to confront them with those of others, in such a way that the conclusions obtained 
:were objective, truthful, and shared by all the participants. 
12 
Results 
The results of the workshop pennitted the identification of several stages in the agricultura! 
development of the watershed. Before 1970, the agriculture of San Dionisio was basically one of 
subsistence with little market focus. Basic grains such as maize, beans, rice, and sorghum were 
sown, as well as others of less importance such as cassava, sweet potato, and pumpkin. 
Traditional practices for establishing crops were based on the system of cutting down, slashing, 
and buming. The· effects ofbuming were not so severe given that the plots that were bumed in a 
year were left empty for a certain time (natural fallow). This was possible because pressure was 
Iow on land and population. After 1968, the production systems had an important change given 
that production began commercially using technologi~s such as the plow and agrochemicals. The 
gove.nunent incited this change to favor the increase of production (Green Revolution). 
According to producers, the soils began to deteríorate with the almost general use ofthe ox-
driven plow. The soils themselves eroded and lost their fertility. This effect, added to continua! 
buming and the impossibility of leaving fallow, led to the loss of the natural fertility of these 
soils. At present, producers consider the use of fertilizer indispensable for sowing maize. When 
resources are scarce, they sow bean without fertilizer. 
Another factor that has affected crop yields during recent years has been the erratic rainfall 
dístribution pattems. Producers mentioned that it used to rain with more frequency and that now 
the rains are less intense and less frequent. This has led producers to change their pattems of 
sowing. Before, only bean was produced in the second.season, but now producing bean . in the 
first season (from May to August) is safer. 
These results show the necessity of identifying management options that improve soíl fertility 
and minimize the risks of producers facing climatic uncertainties. The CIAT strategic research in 
the SOL should be focused on identifying options of no buming, of crop rotation components, 
and of the use of multip1e species to improve producers' food security and crop capacity to be 
integrated into the markets. Also, management systems need to be developed that improve water 
storage at crítica! times, and gennplasm that is more tolerant to drought needs to be developed. 
Contributors: P Orozco, M Ayarza; J Bosco (consultant) 
Collaborators: Farrners of San Dionisia 
1.2.2 Introduce and participatively evaluate new genetic materials of annual crops in the 
SOL 
HighJights 
../ Five new bean materíals selected through participatíve agronomic evaluations in Nicaragua 
../ Five new maize materíals were selected to initiate a process of verifying and diffusing 
results in Nicaragua 
../ Varieties ofbean, maize, rice, and soya were identified that presented desirable agronomic 
characteristics for the design of new production systems 
13 
Objectives 
• Determine the yield potential and-adaptation of improved bean, maize, soybeans, upland 
rice, and sweet patato materials to the soil and climatic conditions ofthe SOL sites in 
Honduras and Nicaragua 
• Evaluate potential acceptance of improved materials by farmers incorporating participatory 
evaluation methods 
Materials and Methods 
Traditionally, improved germplasm ofthe International Centers is delivered to the National 
Institutions through the Regional Programs. These materials are evaluated at experiment stations 
and then validated with producers. Within the project's research-action scheme, the materials cc.:t 
enter directly from Internatiooal Centers to the SOL to do strategic research or through the 
National Programs to evaluate yield and adaptation (Figure 1 ). · 
International Centers 
( CIA T, CIMMYT, CIP) 
, 
Regional Networks 
(PRO FRIJOL, PRM, PRECODEP A) 
NARS 
(INTA, DICTA) 
PES 
Seed multiplication 
VIDAC trials 
(Experiment station) 
ECAR trials 
(Experiment siat ionj 
ENAR trials 
Producers' farms 
Figure l. Flow diagram of germplasm of annual crops in the benchrnark si tes (for acronyms 
and abbreviations useg,_see page 131). 
14 
These materials are evaluated participatively in the SOL and then taken to producers' fields to 
continue the process of evaluation by the Comités de Investigación Agrícola Local (CIALs). At 
the end of this stage, fanners can rest assured that the proposed recomrnendations ha ve been 
evaluated sufficiently in the region. The better materials are multiplied by the Pequeñas 
Empresas de Semillas (PES) and sent out to producers ofthe region. 
Gennplasm evaluations were developed in the SOL-Luquigue (636 m, an annual precipitation 
1046 mm). Many improved materials ofbean, maize, rice, soya, cassava, and sweet potato were 
evaluated during 2001 (Table 1). The bean materials are part ofthe Network ofthe Ensayos 
Centroamericano de Adapción y Rendimiento (ECAR) ofthe Proyecto Regional de Frijol para 
Centro América, México y el Caribe (PROFRIJOL). The maize materials are advanced lines of 
white maize of intennediate earlin.ess generated by the Programa Regional de Maíz (PRM) and 
distributed by the Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INT A) and the Dirección de 
Investigación de Ciencias y Tecnología Agrícola (DICTA). The rice materials are commercial 
rice varieties and drought lines with tolerance to rice blast. The CIA T Drought Rice Project 
provided these. The collection of sweet potato is composed oflocal materials and of introduced 
materials originating from the Centro Internacional de la Papa (CIP). The cassava collection is 
composed of local materials. 
Table l. Accessions of annual crops tested during 2000-01 in Hillsides Options Supermarket (SOL) si tes, 
Honduras and Nicaragua. 
Germplasm 
Bean- PROFRlJOL a advanced lines: 
SRC 1-12-1 -
SRC 1-1-18 (A) 
PCE 9351-8 
PM 9422-3 
DICTA 117 
DICTA 146 
EAP 9508-48 
EAP 9508-93 
EAP 9510-1 
EAP 9510-77 
EAP 9508-41 
EAP 9509-29 
EAP 9558-17 
PRF 9657-53-14 
PR 9653-16b-l 
PR 9653-16b-2A 
PRF 9657-53-14 
PRF 9659-25 B 1 
PTC 9558-17 
PTC 9557-98 
PTC 9557-10 
Tío Canela 
DOR 364 
ESTELI 150 (Nicaragua check) 
Cocha Rosada (Honduras check) 
Total 
Honduras 
15 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
j 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
20 
Nicaragua 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
./ 
18 
Continued. 
Table l. ( Continued.) 
Germplasm Honduras Nicaragua 
Soya- Commercial varieties: 
FHAI-15 ./ 
FHIA-24-1 ./ 
O bando ./ 
Nandu ./ 
Mar! en ./ 
Total 5 
Maize - Tropical white varieties, Interrnediate earliness: 
Across 9623 ./ 
Across 9649 ./ 
Across 9349 ./ 
Across 8243 
Cotaxtla S 9623 ./ 
Cotaxtla S 9649 ./ 
Ferke 9449 SR (TIWD) ./ 
ICA V-157# (WSD) ./ 
ICA V-258# (WSD) ./ 
Sinematiali 9423 RE ./ 
Local check - 1 ./ 
Local check - 2 ./ 
SC3P76N ./ 
(RPMxC17)x D8043 ./ 
SC3P73N ./ 
NB-9043 ./ 
NB-8243 ./ 
NB-9576 ./ 
PRAC-736 C2 ./ 
NIC-5 ./ 
NB-Perlita (QPM) ./ 
Total 11 10 
Rice- Varieties and prornising lines: 
CR258 ./ 
ICTA Pazos ./ 
IRAT90 ./ 
IRAT 30 1 ./ 
IRAT 349 ./ 
IRAT 362 ./ 
IRAT 364 ./ 
Oryzica C-8 ./ 
p 3621 ./ 
INTA 1 ./ 
p 1048 ./ 
CT945 ./ 
Cuyamel 38-20 ./ 
CR 2515 ./ 
Cubana ./ 
Total 15 o 
Cassava-
Collection of 15 local varieties ./ 
Total 15 o 
a. PROFRIJOL =Proyecto Regional de Frijol para Centro América, México y el Caribe. 
16 
Management of the trials was according to the protocols defmed by PRO FRIJOL, PRM, and 
CIP. AH experiments were done in the field in a random block arrangement with three 
repetitions. The participative evaluations wíth producers were made during the flowering phase 
at harvest time. The producers generated the evaluation parameters during the evaluations. Sorne 
of the parameters selected for each crop are shown below. 
Parameters of eva1uation of germplasm of annual CI"QPS gencrated by producers in 
Hillsides Options Suoermarket CSQL) sites. 
S ova Bean Rice Maize 
• Production • Color of grain • Producúon • Production 
• Heigbt • Pod fi ll • Maturity • Plant beigbt 
• Pod fill • Plant beight • Health • Lodging 
• Grain size • Maturity • Yíeld • Black color 
• Lodging • Nwnbcr of pods • Grain size 
• Earliness • Growtb habít • Lodging 
• Lodges • Grain síze 
• Good pod fill 
• Good beigbt 
• Small yield 
Results 
Bean - Nicaragua 
Significant differences occurred in the yields of the materials evaluated. These varied from 1282 
to and 281 kg per ha (Figure 2). Producers selected the materials PTC 9557-98, PRF 9659-2SBI, 
and EAP 9510 and EAP 9509-29. The first three were among the more productive, while the last 
had low yields, but good grain quality. 
k~ ha·' 
1,400 
1,200 
1,000 
Figure 2. 
800 
600 
400 
200 
/ a b be be 
Varieties 
Bean yields of different varieties in Nicaragua (Testigo local = local check). 
17 
• 
Based on these results the following materials We're selected for a verification trial next year: 
PTC 9557-98, PRF 9659-25Bl, EAP-9510-77, EAP 9509-29, and EAP 9508-41. Thes~ill be 
compared again with the variety DOR-364, which is currently the most diffused in the zone . 
Bean - Honduras • 
The variety SRC 1-12-1 presents the best yield (3688 kg ha-1) among the materials tested (Figure 
3). However, the differences were not significant between this material and the local checks (Tío 
Canela and Concha Rosada). The physiological maturity of the materials varied from 83-89 days. 
Producers selected the varieties SRC 1-12-1, PTC 9557-10, and PCE 9351-8 based on their good 
color and small size of grain, well-filled pods and good height. 
4,000 r~ 
3,500 ~ 
,.. 
""" ...... 
""" 
• ~ ... 
""" 
3,000 
2,500 ...... 
""" kg ha -1 2.ooo ...... 
-
1,500 ...... 
-1,000 ...... 
-500 ...... 
- ~ ~ .!:! ... - ... !::: ¿; "' ~ ¡¿ ... <o ~ -~ .. "' ~ .... "' " " .:. ¿, .:. el) - "' e: ~ ;;; ;;; ..:. "' ... ~ ~ ;;; ::¡ ~ ~ ~ " "' .... 
-ª' 
"' "' 
..., 
"' 
..., 
o g: o "' "' "' ~ 01 ~ "' !o! ~ "' ~ 'liS ¡::: o LU Q.. ~ ~ Q .... 0.. Q Q.. ~ .... o ~ ~ g: ~ ~ Q.. ~ 
Varieties 
Figure 3. Bean yields (kg ha-·1) of different varieties in Honduras. 
Maize - Nicaragua 
The analysis of variance reflected highly significant differences in grain yields (Figure 4). The 
test of separating means allowed the grouping of materials into three different categories: frrst 
the genotypes SC3P76N, (RPM x C17)xD-8043, SC3P73N, NB-9043, ACROSS 8328, and NB-
8243, which obtained the best yields ranging between 4848 and 4163 kg per ha. The variety NB-
9576 was second, and PRAC-736-C2, NIC-5, and NB-Perlita form the third group with least 
potential, obtaining yields less than 2375 kg per ha. 
Farmers selected the varieties (RPM x C l7) x D-8043, SC3P73N, NB-9043, and ACROSS 8328 
for their yield, grain color, height, growth habit, and resistance to lodging. Farmers did not select 
the best-yielding variety (SC3P76N) because its height gives ita tendency to lodge. These 
varieties will be evaluated in producers' fields through the CIALs. 
18 
Cl 4,000 
3 ,000 
2,000 
1,000 
Varietíes 
Figure 4. Maize yields (k:g ha-1) of different varieties in Nicaragua. 
It is important to indicate that this trial was developed in low rainfall conditions for the normal 
development of the crop and this rnay ha ve diminished yields (Figure 5). 
Figure 5. 
60 
70 
........ 
60 
~ so 
g 
".:::l 
40 
~ 30 
·a 
-~ 20 
..... 
0... 
10 
o 
1 2 3 4 S 6 7 8 S 10 11 12 
Vegetative stage Reproductive stage 
Sowing date 15 June 2000 
j-PP (mm) -----Nec. Híd . j 
Behavior of rain fall demand and satisfaction of the maize crop, season 2000A, 
San Dionisia, Wibuse, Nicaragua. 
19 
Soya - Honduras 
The yields of the varieties included in the trial varied from 1.3 to 2.2 tons per ha (Figure 6). The 
variety that produced the greatest yields was FHIA-15 (about 2221 kg ha-1). On the other hand, 
big differences were observed in the earliness of the materials. The variety O bando began 
flowering at 53 days while Nandu did so at 85 days. The other materials had intermediate 
flowering times. Seed of all the varieties was multiplied through an agreement with a PES to 
evaluate them at producers' field level through the CIALs. The producers selected the variety 
Mar len for its good yield, and for earliness (124 days) compared with FHIA-15 (165 days)-
important parameter for introducing as a component of rotation systems. We planto introduce 
and evaluate soya materials with a shorter cycle that originate from the Intemational Institute for 
Tropical Agriculture (liT A). 
FHIA-15 Obando Mari en FHIA 24-1 Nandu 
Varieties 
Figure 6. Grain yields (kg ha-1) of five soya varieties evaluated in the Hillsides Options 
Supermarket (SOL)-Luquigue, Yorito, Honduras. 
Rice - Honduras 
The greater yields and the best milling quality were obtained with the variety INT A No 1 (Figure 
7). The IRAT varieties are generally of high growth habit and the earliest flowering (average of 
75 to 105 days). The earliest variety was IRAT-90, which flowered at 75 days. Producers 
selected CR 2525, INTA No.l, and CT 9545 for subsequent evaluations in the CIALs. The 
producers were interested in their low growth habit and earliness. 
Cassava - Honduras 
Results of the characteristics of the 35 materials of the collection are pending; they will be 
reported next year. 
20 
4,000 
3,500 
3,000 
2,500 
kg ba-1 2 ,000 
1,500 
1,000 
500 
-
l.l) l!) ~ (\¡ o CQ ~ ~ ~ ()) ~ o - .... 
- ""' ""' 
<o ~ e: co ""' (_) (\¡ (\¡ ~ o ._,, L') o ":> <li "" ":> l.l) (') ~ <o ~ (\¡ C> .... ¡..._ <:1: -§ ,S: ¡..._ ~ ¡..!_ <:1: (") ~ ,_ ~ a:: ...: el. ~ g:; (.) <:1: a:: ~ S:;! Qi <:1: (.) (.) ~ ~ g:; (.) ~ E ~ ~ S:;! a:: ~ 
o ;:, (.) 
Varietics 
Figure 7. Rice yields (kg ha-1) of different varieties in Honduras. 
Contributors:- P Orozco, L Brizuela, G Palma 
Collaborators: Escuela Agrícola Panamericana Zamorano (EAP), Investigación Participativa 
para Centro América-(IPCA), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria -
(INTA) 
1.2.3 Design new production systems based on crops with market options and on 
management of soil fertility 
This work is initiating. Sorne options ha ve been selected and the research protocol has been 
developed. Fieldwork will begin next year. 
1.2.4 EvaJuate the compatibility of new rotation components to diversify traditional 
production systems 
Cornponents of the new systems and their experiment arrangemeJJt were established in the field. 
The evaluation wíll begin at the end of the present year. 
21 
1.2.5 Evaluate grains and forage legumes in tbe SOL and on producers' farms 
Highlights 
../ lndication of adoption of forages in Yorito, Honduras 
../ Fírst draft of participatory procedure for forages 
Honduras 
Participatory diagnoses with 59 farmers, aged 18-75 years, ofwhich 45% were women, were 
cani.ed out at three si tes (Victoria, Sulaco, Yorito ), with the major lirnitations identified as 
scarcity of feed for the dry season and lack of seed availability. All are in volved in fieldwork. 
Based on the participatory diagnoses, forage nurseries were established and farmers participated 
in land preparation and planting, and continued to be actively involved in the participatory 
selection. Each group is composed of 15 to 20 farmers. Participation in individual events is 65% 
to 75%, with very low variation in composition; that is, farrners maintain interest in the 
evaluations. However, only 10%-15% offarmers participating regularly are women, with a 
strong emphasis in Jícaro. Age groups are much better presented in the evaluations, varying 
between 25 and 76 years. 
As part of the process, farmers now ha ve less fear in communication and ha ve obtained a better 
understanding of forage materials, increasing the inforrnation flow in the participatory 
evaluations. The project tries to link technical inforrnation with perception from farmers. Table 2 
shows the productivity of a selection of grasses in the dry season as an example of agronomic 
results from Honduras. Yields were slightly higher in Luquique than in Las Cañas. However, as 
expected with the effects of drought, yields and cover were relatively low. Significant 
differences (P<0.05) were found between accessions at the two si tes, with Brachiaria brizantha 
CIAT 16322 and B. brizantha CIAT 26646 in Luquigue, and the cut-and-carry grass (Camerún) 
at the two sites having highest productivity. 
Table 2. Dry matter yield of 8-week regrowth of grasses in the dry season, at two sites in 
Y oro, Honduras. 
Treatment Las Cañas Luquigue 
cover (%) kgha-1 cover(%) kg ha-1 
Pennisetum purpureum cv Camerun 37 1430 25 1022 
Panicum maximum CIAT 16031 25 624 18 413 
Brachiaria brizantha CIA T 26646 42 521 30 936 
Andropogon gayanus CIA T 621 26 510 30 638 
B. brizantha CIA T 2611 O 25 464 23 668 
B. brizantha CIAT 16322 33 439 20 1088 
B. híbrido CIAT 36061 25 385 17 640 
B. humidicola CIAT 6133 60 133 28 137 
LSD (P<0.05) 525 462 
Nicaragua 
In Nicaragua, the project is working at three sites in the municipality of San Dionisia: Wibuse, El 
Corozo, and Piedras Largas. In mid 2000, the involved institutions (Proyecto de Desarrollo de 
San Dionisia [PRODESSA], INTA, and CIAT) identífied farmer leaders, who then invited 
small- to medium-scale crop-livestock owners for a meeting to ídentify interest groups, present 
the project, and establish farmer committees. Fifty-six farmers ( 15 in El Corozo, 18 in Piedras 
Largas, and 23 in Wibuse) participated; however, women constituted only 3%. During the same 
meeting, information was obtained on the feed strategies employed throughout the year. In 
general, during the wet season cattle are maintained on native pasrures, Jaragua (Hyperrhenia 
spp.) and Estrella (Cynodon spp.). In the dry season, crop residue grazing ofmaize, bean, and 
sorghum fields gains importance, in addition to dry and mature pastures. Producers stress the 
problem of quantity and quality of available feed resources during the dry season and several 
ha ve to resort to buying by-products of rice at very high prices. Poorer livestock owners face a 
reduction in production, and lower reproduction and even death oftheir animals. 
During 2000 and 2001, to further characterize farmer groups, a rapid partir.ipatory diagnosis on 
livestock production was carried out at the El Corozo and Wibuse si tes. Of the farmers, 90%-
95% indicated the low productivity of Jaragua, Estrella, and native pastures as the principal 
problem in livestock production. Hence farmers suggested the introduction of a variety af 
forages to be compared to these as a possible solution. 
Of the 56 fanners initially participating in the formation of the three cornmittees, 60% maintain 
active participation, while the participation ofthe other 40% was more irregular or discontinued. 
New interested farmers have replaced them. Strengths ofthe groups include the active 
participation of a large percentage, and severa! farmers with the capacity to disseminate results 
were identified. Farmers are conscious ofthe need to look for nc.w forage altematives to improve 
productíon and conserve natural resources, and an increasing demand for seeds of preferred 
germplasm has been manifested. Weaknesses include sorne farrners' still-existing lack of 
understandíng of the participatory process and their role in i t. The conservative attitudes of sorne 
livestock owners ha ve limited progress, and lack of trust in religious and poli ti cal processes 
sometimes leads to limited participation in collective activities. Moreover, sorne producers state 
their time limit in participation, and based on a prior project sorne had high expectation of 
obtaining benefits without any participation. 
To sustain the groups, the project continuously clarifies concepts and motivation, a process 
strengthened by the identification of farmers with dissemination and motivation capabilities. 
Also, an active process occurs of feedback of objectives, activities, and results to local 
organizations, with the aim that farmers and local organization obtain project ownership. The 
project also participates in local events, showing results and facilitating active interaction 
between different project si tes. Events are scheduled to correspond to times of lower farmer 
acti vity. 
Depending on the frequency of criteria we aim at defining farmer priorities across si tes. Figure 8 
presents preferences for cover legumes. We can see that farmers berter accept Caballero (a 
Lablab purpureus local variety, statistically signifícant at 15%, positive intercept), and least 
accept Mungo (Vign.a mungo). These results are related to the criteria obtained in the same 
evaluation, giving indication for potentially successful technologies. 
• Caballero (lab) 
100% • Terciopeb 
Canavalia 
80% X M.mgo 
X MJcuna trrA 
011 60% 
ª • 
Kudzu 
1i 
ca 
.a 
o .. 40"k Q. 
20"k 
0% 
o 2 3 4 5 6 7 
Preferences 
Figure 8. Preference ranking of six cover legumes, Piedras Largas, Nicaragua. 
Parallel to developing a participatory procedure, a training procedure is developed as an 
imponant component for the project, institutionalization, and outscaling. Employed methods are 
disseminated through courses followed by workshops and field practices. The amplitude of thi.s 
component was not anticipa~ed at the project's onset, but was fo~nd essential for its success. 
The projcct ís handling a small fund scheme to facilitate the outscaling and upscaling of results 
and methods employed. The main problem in the approval of proposals was sorne lack of 
knowledge on participatory methods, a requirement for approval Most proposals therefore were 
assigned to partners in volved in the project and the focus in project approval hence is more on 
upscaling and institutionalization than on outscaling. Two main outputs are expected, (1) that 
people participating in the training and the project become trainees themselves, and (2) utilizing 
the experiences to develop a Training module, which guides technicians through the process. 
Both these outputs are aimed at future outscaling of the approach. Finally, the project has 
initiated a database in Excel facilitating the analysis of information. Greater detail on activities i.s 
given in the Forages (IP-5) Annual Report. 
Contributors: M Peters (IP-5), LA Hernández Romero (Participatory Research in Agriculture 
[IPRA]), LH Franco (IP-5), A Schmidt (PE-2), MI Posas (Servicios Técnicos 
para el Desarrollo Sosteni~ [SERTEDESO]); W Sanchez, M Mena (INTA); J 
Bustarnante (Fundación Ecotropica); H Cruz, T Reyes; CE Reiche (Instituto 
Interamericano de Cooperación para la Agricultura [ITCA]- German Agency 
for Technical Cooperati<Jíi [GTZ]);· C Burgos (DICTA); R Schultze-Kraft, V. 
Hoffmann (University ofHohenheim), P Argel (IP-5) 
24 
1.2.6 Quantify the performance of animals in traditional and improved pastores in SOL 
The start of this activit y was held bacl<: by problems in establishing legumes in the pastures. 
Nevertheless, the pastures in the SOL in Nicaragua are now ready to initiate the evaluation. 
Pastures in Honduras are still in the phase of establishment. 
1.2. 7 Define the poten ti al of cover species for soil improvement 
Highlights 
../ Centrosema plumieri, Mucuna liT A Benin, and Can.avalia brasiliensis ha ve the potential to 
be established well in degraded areas 
../ Canavalia presented the highest yields in the different sampling times 
Objectives 
• Determine the potential of legumes and grains for establi.shing in soils affected by Mitch 
• Determine the capacity of producing fodder under limitations of soil fertility 
The experiment was sown including the following species: first year (1999) Vigna unguiculata, 
Centrosema plumíeri, Canavalia ensiformis, Lablab purpureus, Mucuna pntriens IITA Benin, 
Brachiaria dictyoneura, and Natural In the second year we changed M. pruriens negra for V. 
unguiculata, and Pueraria phaseoloides for B. dictyoneura. 
Results and Discussion 
The results of the flrst year of evaluation indicated that under extreme conditions of sandy soil, 
V. unguiculata and L. pwpureus did not persist after the phase of establishment (Figure 9). The 
better coverages were obtained with Canavalia. The plot check presented good coverage because 
of the regrowth of pasture (B. dictyoneura + Arachis + Cyn.odon sp.) established prevíously. 
8) 
-:K) 
"#. 
-40 
t30 
Q) 
> ·zo 
8 JO 
• o 
~igure 9. 
Oct-99 :: Jan-oo . 
Soil recuperation trial. Evaluation of percentage of coverage at 16, 20, 24, and 28 
weeks, Evelyn fann, A~a, Y oro, 1999-2000. 
25 
During the second year of evaluation, Canavalia maintained an average cover of 48%. 
Ceñtrosema plumieri, which had slow establishment during the flrst year, attained a similar 
coverage to that of Canavalia during the second year. 
') 
Canavalia ensiformis produced the biggest quantity of biomass compared with the other legume 
evaluated during the flrst year of evaluation (Figure 10). During the second year, its production 
of dry matter diminished to less than 1 ton per ha, while the biomass production of C. plumieri 
improved considerably compared with the frrst year, showing superior behavior. Lablab and 
Pueraria were not established in the conditions of this experiment. 
3500 • lAblab ouroureus 
.«0 DICfA 
2..'iW O Centrosema 
Biomasa yield 2CtXJ 0 ntumieri DICf A Mucuna P1Uriens (kgperha) 1500 
.IITA-Benin . u:w Canavalia 
5()(} a ensifomris DICfA 
o Brachiaria 
Waelc8 
. dictvorJeura CIAT Natúral 
. . . 
Figure 10. Soil recuperation trial: evaluation of biomass yield at 16, 20, 24, and 28 weeks, 
Evelyn farm, Ayapa, Y oro, 1999-2000. 
Conclusions 
Canavalia ensiformis has the potential to be established quickly in degraded areas and to produce 
from 2 to 3 tons of dry material. This corresponds to 40% of the fodder produced in normal 
conditions. Centrosema plumieri is another promising species for these conditions, although it 
has slow establishment. The other species presented very low levels of coverage and yield. 
Contributors: H Cruz; M Peters (IP-5) 
Collaborator: Owner of Finca Evelyn, Sulaco, Y oro, Honduras 
1.2.8 Quantify the efficiency of combining organic and inorganic sources in the 
production of annual crops 
This activity is not.reported on this year; results are being validated . 
• 
26 
.• 
1.2.9 Select species for live barriers that improve producer income and conserve soils 
Objective 
• Determine the economic contribution of live baniers of sugarcane under traditional 
management 
The work was carried out on the live baniers of sugarcane that were established in the SOL-
Luquigue project.in September 1999. The variety used was the local one known as caña negra. 
This variety of sugarcane is consumed fresh and is used in animal and human foods. 
Results 
At the time of the evaluation an average of 1 O sticks of can e was found per linear meter of 
banier, with a stem perimeter of 11.3 cm andan average weight of 3 lb each (Table 3). This 
indicates that sugarcane has good capacity for retaining soil in the mediwn term. 
Table 3. Results of the evaluation of sugarcane as a live barrier. 
Barrier Meters No of No of Weight Weíght Perímeter Length Total weight Volume 
cut canes canes of cane per cane ofstalk of stal.k of canes (L) 
perm perm (cm) (m) (lbs) 
l 27 .7 191 6.9 18.6 2.7 11.6 1.63 514 102.15 
2 30.5 3 11 10.2 29.8 2.9 11.6 1.65 908 193.13 
3 36.6 315 8.6 21 .0 2.4 11.1 1.38 769 153.65 
4 34.0 500 14.7 50.9 3.5 11 .0 1.90 1,732 400.43 
Total/Ave 128.8 1,31 7 10.2 30.5 3.0 11.3 1.64 3,923 849.36a 
a. 3.87 barreis. 
According to the opinion of the producers that participated in making the blocks of panel a ( crude 
sugar), this variety produces a ·lot of broth. Only 1.5 canes per liter of juice were needed, 
resulting in the production of about 6.6 liters of juice per meter ofbarrier. From each meter of 
banier almost 2 blocks ofpanela were obtained of 1.7lb each. In the region,pane/a has a value 
of about 19 US cents per lb and has high demand during the period ofDecember-April because 
of its use in religious celebrations and the coffee crop. Conversion of the 128 m of sugarcane to 
panela would give gross revenue of about US$ 48. 
To be able to measure the economic income from the barrier providing animal feed, we 
calculated the number of animal units that could be fed with the 128.8 m of live barrier that were _ 
cut. It was assumed that lactating cows were being fed with a.production average of 4 liters per 
cow. 
Dry material of stalks (kg) 
Animal units fed 
Liters ofmilk (4 per cow) 
Milk sales (US$) 
27 
310.2 
29.0 
118.2 
38.1 
The net profits that would be obtained per meter of cane would be about US$0.17 deducting 
establishing and cutting expenses from gross incomes (see below). The pro fits could be increased 
if the rent of the trapiche (can e press) was lowered and there was access to vegetative material of 
low cost. 
Economic contribution and costs of live barriers o.f sugarcane 
Activity Cost 1m (US cents) 
Meter ofbarrier established including vegetative matter 
Maintenance of barrier 
Harvesting of barrier 
Transport of cane to press 
Wood cutting 
Renta! of cane press 
Total costs 
Total income 
Net utility per meter 
20 
3 
2 
5 
2 
19 
50 
67 
17 
The income from the sugarcane processing ánd the sale of stalks generates a net uti lity per meter 
of barrier oflittle attraction to the producer, especial! y considering the time required (18 months) 
for obtaining it. Productivity of the barriers must be improved with better management of their 
density and fertilization. Incomes could be increased by giving an aggregate value to the 
sugarcane products (crude Sl;lgar, ho11ey etc). 
Contributor: L Brizuela 
Collaborator: E Barrios (PE-2) 
1.2.10 Select bushy species with potential of b~ing used as improved fallow 
Not reported on this year. 
1.2.11 ldentify nutrients that limit productivity ofthe systems in the reference sites 
Higblight 
../ The combination ofN + P significantly increased the yields ofmaize in the SOL sites of 
Honduras and Nicaragua 
Objective 
• ldentify nutrients that limit the development of maize and measure their availability in the 
soil 
28 
Metbods and Materials 
The experiments were established in the SOL sites during the spring of2000. A randomized 
complete block (RCBD) design was used, with four repetitions. The maize variety HB-1 04 was 
used in Honduras, and the variety NB-6 in Nicaragua. A chemical-mechanical weed control was 
canied out (pre-emergent herbicides-Azadon). Initial and final soil samples were taken at 0-15 
cm depth, to measure availability ofnutrients at the start and end ofthe crop cycle. Treatments 
included in the experiment were (1) control without fertilization, (2) 100 kg N per ha, (3) 100 kg 
P per ha, and ( 4) 1 00 kg N + 1 00 kg P per ha and 1 00 kg N + 1 00 kg P + 1 00 kg K per ha. Half 
the N was applied at 20 days and the other half at 40 days, as there was sufficient humidity in the 
soil it was only spread on the surface ofthe furrow. The P and K were applied to the furrows and 
incorporated with hoeing at the time of sowing. The variables evaluated during the cycle of the 
crop were the content of nutrients in the vegetative mat at 50% of female flowering, height of 
plant, grain yield and its components, and superficial biomass of the maize. 
Results and Discussion 
Honduras 
Significant differences were found at the level of treatments in all the yield components (Table 
4). The number of damaged cobs was very high in the control and in the application ofN 
treatment. At the same time, these treatments had less relation between cob per plants and grain 
weight. 
Table 4. Effect of fertilization on various yield components of maize in the Supermercado 
de Opciones para Laderas (SOL) site, Honduras. 
Treatment Plants per mza Damaged cobs Cobs per plant Grain weight (g) 
Control 45269 11.00 0.8 0.28 
100 kg N ha-1 44358 16.30 0.8 0.25 
100 kg P ha-1 43446 6.75 0.9 0.32 
100 kg N+P ha-1 42839 4.75 l. O 0.29 
100 kg N+P+K ha-1 41927 4.50 0.9 0.33 
a. 1 mz (manzana)= 0.704 ha (80 m\ 
Figure 11 shows the effects of different fertilization treatments. The application ofN + P 
produced 3.8 tons per ha more than the control. The application ofN in individual form did not 
produce any yield increase, and associated íntravenal chlorosis was observed. 
The application ofN alone did not improve crop yields, perhaps because ofthe interaction that 
exists with other elements (possibly Mg). The best yield was reached when N+ P and N + P +K 
were applied. Although the soil presents a hígh content of phosphorus, it may not be readily 
available; thus it must be applied. Verification of these results has begun at landscape or 
watershed leve!, mounting a network of experiments at different altitudes and with different 
parent materials during this year. 
29 
control 
Yield (kg ha-1) 
100 ka 
N ha.r 
100 ka 1 00 kg 1 00 
P ha-r N+P ha·1 N+P+K ha_, 
Treatments 
Figure 11. Maize yields at Supermercado de Opciones para Ladera (SOL) sites in Honduras 
under different nutrient treatmcnts. 
Contributors: L Brizuela, M Ayarza 
Nicaragua 
No significant di.fferences were found among treatments because of the high variability of the 
experiment sites. However, visual observations showed that better yields were obta.ined with 
application of N + P and N + P + K (Table 5). When P was applied, increases of 40% were 
obtained compared to the check, and when N was applied, of 20%. This allows us to conclude 
that both nutrients behave like limitants given that on applying N+P+K the yield barely increases 
(about 3% ), which seems of little importance. 
Table S. Result averages for treatments• of trials of limiting nutrients in tbe Supermercado de Opciones 
para Ladera (SOL), Nicaragua 
Treatmeots Plants per Plan t height per Cobs per plot Cob weight per Grnin weight per 
plot plot (cm) {no.) plot (g) plot (g) 
Control 20a 119.7 11.3a 1563.3 988.8 a 
100 kg + N ba-1 24a 127.0 ll .Oa 1718.0 1,196.3 a 
100 kg + P ba-1 24a 120.5 14.7 a 2135.2 1,385.8 a 
100 kg + N P ha-1 24a 122.6 14.0a 2164.0 1,465.6 a 
100 kg +N+ P +K ba-1 24a 124.1 lS.Oa 2352.3 1,492.1 a 
a Treatrnents witb tbe same letter signify that results (means) were not statistically different. using Duncan' s 
Multiple Range test, Student-Newman-Keuls test. and Tukey's range test. 
Contributors: P Orozco, M Ayarza, J Bosco (consultant) 
Collaborators: E Barrios, JG Cobo, N Azakawa (PE-2) 
30 
1.3 Validate new alternatives and improved practices 
1.3.1 Validate on producers' farms the promising management options that come from 
theSOL 
Highlight 
./ The CIALs are being strengthened and empowered with new components of annual crops to 
diversify their systems of production 
Objective _ 
• Strengthen the capacity of rural communities and seek alternatives that perrnit them to -
improve their food securíty and manage their natural resources in a rational way 
The different CIAL groups, through tours of the countryside, exchanges with other institutions, 
fanner experimenters, and participative evaluations of technologies in the SOL, identify 
promising options that are analyzed and discussed with the community at the point of planning 
the experíments. · 
Results 
At present, 15 CIALs exisrat municipality leve! in San Dionisio, -of which four were formed in 
1997, four in 1998, four in 2000, and three in 2001. The research of the committees has 
concentrated on tríals of basic grains because of the importance that producers give to these 
crops to improve their food security. Howeyer, since 1999, six of the groups have begun to make 
use of the germplasm options that ha ve emerged from the SOL (Table 6). 
Table 6. 
CIAL 
Wibuse 
Women 
El Progreso 
Women 
19 de Abril 
Women 
Comités--de Investigación Agrícola Local (CIAL) crop evaluation and research 
cycles from technological options se!ected in the Supermercado de Opciones para 
Ladera (SOL), San Dionisia, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. 
Community 
1999A 1999B 
Wibuse 
Jícaro l Soya (t) Soya (v) 
El Zapote 
El Zapote 
Jícaro 2 
El Chile 
El Carrizal 
Seasonsa 
2000A 
Rice (t) 
Soya (p) 
Rice(t) 
Rice(t) 
2000B 
Soya(t) 
2001A 
Rice (v) 
Rice(t) 
Soya(t) 
Soya (t) 
Bean (t) 
a. A= first season and B = second season; p = production, t =tria!, and v = verification. 
31 
Materials of soya, rice, and bean are being evaluated that were selected during the participative 
evaluations made in the SOL. We expect that by 2002, 60% of the CIALs will be using 
promising options originating from the SOL in their respective trials. 
Most CJALs (76%) are trying out mostly basic grains (bean and maize). However, airead y the 
first steps are being taken to investigare other themes (rice, soya, pest control). Women's 
participation has been growing significantly; there are three women CIALs and five mixed 
CIALs, because of the impor1ance of food security optíons. From the research process the 
women are leaming to elaborate subproducts such as in the case of soya. The CIALs have 
established coordination with local Institutions that permit them to leam new technological 
altematives used during the planning of their experiments. 
Contributor: T Reyes 
Collaborators: JA Beltrán, CA Quiroz (IPRA) 
1.4 Promote and support multiplication of successful alternatives validated 
at farm level 
1.4.1 Support the establishment of PES prototypes in the project's reference sites 
Highlight 
./ Producers were incorporated into the multiplication of promising materials from the SOL 
Objective 
• Support the forrnation of two PES prototypes in the Honduras reference si teto produce 
improved seed for the upper and lower parts of the watershed 
The project is being executed by two groups of producers in the Department of Y oro, one located 
in the community of La Sabana in the Municipality of Yorito, and the other in the community of 
San Antonio, in the Municipality of Sulaco. The first group was established in 1999 and initiated 
with six members of aCIAL. The second was established in 1996 with the participation of 26 
partners. Both groups sowed commercial varieties and promising genetic material originating 
from the participative evaluations in the SOL. 
Results 
Both groups produced about 2.4 tons of pure seed, which was sold to 113 producers of the region 
(Table 7). Producers were híghly satisfied with the yields and the income that carne from the sale 
of improved seed. Producers of the regían had a high demand for seed. Future plans include 
forrning a PES in the Nicaragua reference site and consolidating businesses in Honduras with the 
technical support of the SOL and the multiplication of other promising material. 
32 
Table 7. Results of the sale of seed by two Productores Empresarios de Semillas 
Artesanales (PES), Honduras. 
Groupa Crops Production Beneficiaries (no.) 
Pure seed Communities Producers 
(k_g) 
AI\1HUPRO CIAL Soya Obando 166 5 14 
Maize Pob. 21 552 4 13 
Maize pool 15C-ll 272 1 1 
San Antonio producers Maize DICTA Guayape 1409 3 85 
Total 5 2399 13 113 
a. AMHUPRO =Asociación de Hombres y Mujeres Progresistas de Honduras , and CIAL = 
Comités de Investigación Agricola Local. 
Contributors: G Giralda (Seed Project), L Brizuela 
Collaborators: Producers of the region 
1.5 Monitor and evaluate the adoption of validated improvements 
1.5.1 Evaluate the functioning of the SOL :monitoring system 
Highlight 
./ Monitoring system operating in the SOL site in Yorito, Honduras 
Objective 
• Systematize the information generated through the visits of producers at SOL and from the 
activities of evaluation and exchange of materials and knowledge 
Materials and Methods 
During 1999, the indicators were defined (see below) and the type of information that should be 
collected according to the methodology developed by Probst (200ol· Based on this, the formats 
were designed to register the information. Of the activities planned, 90% ha ve been executed to 
date. Only the evaluation of short-cycle fruit species and the studies of the effect of fallows on 
soil fertility are pending. During the monitoring period, 21 events were registered with producers 
of different communitíes of Yorito, Sulaco, and Victoria, and the participation of 316 men and 
57 women. 
2 Probst K. 2000. Sist~ma de monitoreo y evaluación de la red de SOLes. Working Doc •. CIAT, Cali, Colombia. 
33 
Monitoring indicators for the Supermercado de Opciones para Ladera (SOL) site 
in Yorito, Honduras 
Object of observation 1 indicator 
Function: 
Fulfilling the operative plan 
No. of workshops and field days developed on site 
Participation of men and women 
Comments and observations of the technician 
E val uation of events 
Registratíon of who vísíts and attends-(client record) 
Participation of other institutions in the SOL 
Costs of the trials 
Demands requested by clients 
-Registration of trials 
Frequency 1 dates 
Continuous documentation of acJivities 
Each time an event develops 
At end of events 
Each time that clients visit the SOL 
Each crop cycle 
Each month 
Registration of quantity of materials delivered 
Analysis, evaluation. and use of results Frequency 1 Dates 
Planning events of each crop cycle with producers May, September 
Presentation of summaries at level of each SOL si te March, November 
Results and Discussion 
The evaluations of bean, rice, and soya were done with groups of CIALs of Luquigue and Río 
Aniba. Also the new bean materials were sampled with groups from Río Arriba, Luquigue, La 
Ladera, Santa Cruz, and merchants of the zone. Thís was coordinated with Investigación 
Participativa para Centro América (IPCA) through the CIALs; and IPCA trained para-
technicians in the CIAL methodology. All fanners that attended the events developed in the SOL 
say they have leamed new things and they now know severa! varieties of different crops, which 
will gi ve them the opportunity' of improving their production systems. 
Of 40 producers registered in the SOL, 25 requested seeds of soya, sweet potato, cassava, rice, 
and bean. For pastures 16 producers were registered who requested seed of Penisetum, 
Brachiaria brizantha 2611'0, Cratylia CIAT 18668, and B. dictyoneura 6133 . The regístration of 
seed distribution indicares that 14 verification trials of bean varieties were deli vered to different 
NGOs and organized groups of producers. The objective is to evaluate, in producers' fields, the 
yield of the varieties selected in the SOL. 
The monitoring system implemented in the SOL is pennitting us to evaluate the SOL's 
efficiency as a mechanism for exchange of knowledge and materials with the producers of the 
region. It al so pennits quantifying the demand for technologies and the costs of production. 
-Contributors: G Palma, L Brizuela 
Collaborators: K Probst (University of Hohenheim) 
34 
Output 2: More sustainable landscapes 
2.1 Benchmark status report at the landscape level (study land use, 
analyze sustainability) 
2.1.1 Edaphically characterize the reference watersheds for the Manejo Integrado de 
Suelos (MIS) consortium (San Dionisio, La Dalia, and Congolón) 
Highlight 
./ Georeferenced data base of the edaphic resources of the watersheds of the Jalapa and 
Luquigüe Ri vers 
Objective 
• Update soil taxonomy of the study area through knowledge of its interna! and external 
characteristics both physical and chemical 
Materials and Methods 
The study included three phases, collection of secondary information, fieldwork, and analysis of 
results. During the first phase, secondary information and cartographic material needed for the 
study was collected. The study area was defined anda photo-interpretation of the landscape units 
was made. 
In the fieldwork, general recognition of the study area was made. Limits were corrected and 51 
soil profiles were opened to perform their morphological and taxonomic descriptions. Thirty 
profiles correspond to Jalapa, 18 to Luquigüe, and three to Ojo de Agua. The Local lndicators.of 
Soil Quality were then identified and prioritized. For criteria for the denornination of horizons, 
texture, structure, consistency, porosity, limitants, etc. the United States Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) specifications of the methodology were followed. In analysis of results, all 
information generated in the field was put in arder, revised, and classified; laboratory results 
were interpreted and thematic maps digitized. Based on this information the following thematic 
maps were generated at a se ale of 1: 10.000: taxonomic soil maps, soil types, present use, 
recommended use, and conflicts of use. 
Results and Discussion 
The area study corresponds to 65.95 km2, which incl1ude the Jalapa River watershed of 25.11 
km2, the Ojo de Agua River watershed of 8.97 km2, and the Luquigüe River watershed of 31.87 
km2. The area is composed of high terraces, hills , and mountains. The climate corresponds to 
humid subtropical forest. The main hydrographical network consists of the Jalapa, Ojo de Agua, 
and Luquigüe Rivers. 
We found that soils originated from rocks of the Cretaceous epoch such as K va, Kti, and Ky, as 
well as the Qal colluvium soils . Taxonomically they belong to the orders ofEntisols and 
35 
Incepti~ols in the higher areas, and Mollisols in the lower areas of the watershed. Based on the 
horizons ' diagnostic, the soils were classified as Ustorthents, Ustochrepts, Haplustholls, and 
Argiustols, the subgroups identified were, Tipic, Lithic, and Udic (Figure 12). Most of the area 
studied has a steep topography with slopes greater than 60%. For this reason we recommend 
maintaining an adequate forest cover and agroforestry systems. Minimal farming and the use of 
soil conservation systems are required for the sustaínable exploitation of areas with agricultura! 
possibilities. 
Taxono 
Ulhic Heplustholls 
Ulhic Ustortht nls 
No determinada 
SOL 
TIIPI< Uslochrepls 
~le Ustortllents 
fi!Pic Ustropopts 
Udic Argiustolls 
Figure 12. Soil types identified for the Jalapa, Ojo de Agua, and Luquigue watersheds. 
Contributors: J Martínez (consultant), MT Trejo 
Collaborators: M Ayarza, L Brizuela 
S 
2.1.2 Compile and analyze information on river flow and sedimentation in the Tascalapa 
watershed 
Objectives 
• Describe daily and monthly data of water volume in three smaller watersheds within the 
Tascalapa watershed 
• Describe sediment samples in the three watersheds 
36 
The measuring of sediments was done from 5 June to 15 December. Readings were tak:en in the 
sarne sites~ daily readings of water volume·. Samples were collected in receptacles of 500 mL 
and then filtered and dried. The dried samples were weighed then further dried for one hour at 
300°C in an oven. Thus we obtained dry weight by subtracting flitered dry weight from fmal dry 
weight. 'fhe weight in grams was related toa quantity of 500 mL of water to obtain the quantity 
of sediment dissolved in grams per liter. 
Results 
Table 8 shows the monthly means of dissolved sediments measured during the period June to 
December 2000. 
Table8. 
Watershed 
Monthly means (g L"1) of dissolved sediments measured in the Tascalapa watershed from June to 
December 2000. 
June July August September October November December 
Desmonte (Salida) 0.285 0.300 0.283 0.292 0.329 0.262 0.257 
Jalapa 0.369 1.088 0.504 1.897 0.744 0.374 0.403 
Ojo de Agua 0.402 0.894 0.417 0.403 0.265 0.380 0.~72 
Luquigue 0.371 0.422 0.455 0.408 0.214 0.329 0.375 
The Jalapa watershed had the greatest amount of dissolved sediment possibly because of a 
greater deterioration in the forest cover and the use of intensive agriculture on lands with slopes 
greater than 30%. Figure 13 shows the percentages of area as land use according to 1995 satellite 
images. Figure 14 shows the percentages of slopes expressed as a percentage. 
-;:!¿ o 
Figure 13. 
70.0 
60.0 
50.0 
40.0 
30.0 
20.0 
10.0 
0 .0 
Jalapa Luquigue 
Watershed 
Ojo de Agua 
•oense pine 
O Sparse pine 
O Agricultura 
• Deciduous forest 
Land use in the Jalapa, Luquigue, and Ojo de Agua watersheds expressed as 
percentage of the area. 
37 
_ .. 
45.0 ~------------------------------~----~--~~----~ 
40.0 +:- ---
35.0 -+----'-~ 
CD30.0 +-------Q. 
.925.0 -r-~-1 
Ul 
(520.0 +---1 
~15.0 
10.0 
5.0 
O. O +-'----..&.-_.... .... 
Jalapa Luquigue 
Watersheds 
Ojo de Agua 
Figure 14. Slopes (%)in the Jalapa, Luquigue, and Ojo de Agua watersheds. 
Contributor: O Mejía 
Collaborators: B Barbier (CIRAD), S San Martín (SERTEDESO) 
2.1.3 Establish the water balance of the Jalapa watershed 
Highlight 
30-50% 
./ Rainfall interception was quantified in four management in the Tascalapa River watershed 
Objectives 
• Detennine and compare the capacity of rainfall interception of pine- and oak:-forest covers, a 
coffee plantation under the shade of broad-leaved forest, anda pasture area in the Jalapa 
River watershed 
• Estimare the effect that rainfall interception of each system would ha ve upon the water cycle 
of the watershed 
Materials and Methods 
Measurements were taken in the community of Ca piro, Jalapa River watershed, municipality of 
Y o rito, Department of Y oro, Honduras. In this area, pine forest, oak forest, coffee areas, and 
pastures of Hyparrenia rufa were identified. Three areas of each cover type were selected where 
three lineal rain gauges were installed for measuring precipitation among crowns in pine, oak, 
and coffee. Also zinc channels were placed to measure rainfall draining fro m pine and oak 
trunks. In the pa~ture area, the rate of losses from interception was estimated as 10% of the gross 
precipitation. The measurements included overall rainfall, the precipitarían that reaches the soil, 
and that which drains from trunks. Based on these values, we estimated the interception of the 
38 
crowns and forest floor. A1SO, we measured infiltration and water flow in each system using a 
rain simulator. The calculations allowed us t'o establish the effect ~ the watershed's water 
balance of the systems in use. 
Results and Discussion • 
Figure 15 shows that the average interception values of the covers of pine, oak, and coffee for 
the study period (May-October) varied from about 34% to 47%, but differences were not 
significant. There were no statistical differences in water interception regarding the different 
diametric classes in the pine and oak forests and the degree of cover under coffee. In the case of 
pastures, interception was assumed to be minimal. The relation between water intercepted and 
quantity of rain was lineal in forest and coffee covers (r = 0.7). 
Figure 15. 
-~ 
~60 ~--~----------------~----~~--~~ 
.2 40 ¡20 
~ o +-- "-----"--"-'o-T--
-.E Pina Oak Coffee 
Density classes 
Means ofwater interception for three cover types in the Tascalapa River 
watershed. 
The values for water flow were greater in the pine and oak covers (Figure 16). In the same way, 
the rates of infiltration were also lower in these systems compared with those measured in coffee 
and pasture covers. 
Figure 16. 
E' Boo ...,..,....,=- --..,...,....-- - - ___,,...----....., 
E 
- ~+-------..,--------------,.~ 
3: 
~ 200 +-----~~.-...----._.:----t----
Q¡ 
{U o+-....... ..,. ;: 
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 
Time (m) 
BRne 
. Oak 
OO:lffee 
o Pastura 
Volume of water flow (mL) for four cover types calculated using a water 
simuiator of 36 mm. 
39 
Based on these results we calculated the water balance for each cover and the aquifer's capacity 
to recharge. Table 9 shows that the pasture cover generares a greater potential recharge because 
of its smaller interception and greater ínfiltration of water compared with the pine and oak 
forests and the coffee system. The beneficia! effect of the pasture can vary drastically if it is 
subntitted to inadequate animal management. 
Table 9. Summary of water balance (mm) in four cover types in Y arito, Honduras. 
Components of the water Covers 
cycle Pine Oak Coffee Pasture 
Total precipitation (mm) 970.00 970.00 970.00 970.00 
Leaf interception(%) 3.73 1.61 0.55 0.00 
Cover interception(%) 39.67 33.50 46.38 9.72 
Precip. in filtrated (mm) 847.45 831.54 941.38 951.77 
Water flow (mm) 122.95 138.86 29.02 18.63 
Evapotranspiration (mm) 337.85 337.94 327.20 272.53 
Recharge (mm) 124.40 168.25 158.56 584.55 
Recharae m3 ha· ' o 1244.01 1682.50 1585.00 5845 .50 
The results of this study show the importance of the land use systems for the water cycle of the 
watersheds. The forest cover systems ha ve the capacity ro dintinish thc erosi vity of the rains 
through thei r power of interception. Nonetheless, in the long term they also dintinish the 
recharge capacity of the water sources. 
Contributor: A Sosa, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Forestales (ESNACIFOR) 
Collaborators: S Rivera (ESNACIFOR), B Barbier (CIRAD), O Mejía 
2.1.4 Ethnobotanical study of native plants as indicators of soil quality in the Calico 
River watershed 
This activity is a product of the agreement wíth the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA), 
Nicaragua through an undergraduate thesis. To date. the protocol is being worked upon and 
fieldwork has begun. The main objective is ro identify plants as indicators of soil quality, based 
on the traditional knowledge of the people of the Calico River watershed in San Dionisio, 
Matagalpa. 
Specific objectives are to : 
• Elaborare a list of plants as indicators of soil quality in the study zone and classify them 
taxonomically; 
• Seek information on people's additional uses for rhese plant indicators of soil quality; 
• Study edaphic characteristics associated with pl3.nt indicators of soil quality; and 
40 
• Establish a relationship between plant indicators of soil quality and their position in the 
described landscape according to local nomenclature. 
2.1.5 Analysis and mapping of vegetation in the Wibuse/Jicaro watershed 
As for 2. 1.4, this activity is a product of the agreement of collaboration with UCA, Nicaragua 
through an undergraduate thesis . To date, the protocol is being worked upon and fieldwork has 
begun. The main objective is to analyze and elaborate, with community partícipation, the 
vegetation map in the Wibuse!EI Jícaro watershed of San Dionisia, Matagalpa. 
Specific objectives are to : 
• Elaborare maps of the study area with community participation to evaluate the state of the 
vegetative component of the Wibuse/EI Jícaro watershed; 
• Analyze the actual state of vegetation and, through results obtained in the participative 
mapping, give alternatives for better management; and 
• Involve and promote people's or community participation so that they describe, identify, and 
evaluate the natural resources and socioeconomic problems of their living zones. 
2.1.6 Socioeconomic characterizatiori of the Calico River watershed 
This is a collaborative píOject with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ). The 
fieldwork phase has been completed and a workshop of results i~ planned for February 2002. 
-
2.1.7 Monitoring the socioeconomic impact of land ownership on the leve! of well being 
of small-scale. producers 
Reportedjointly under2.1.8 below. 
2.1.8 Elaborate the San Dionisio baseline 
Highlight 
./ Characterization shows that the reference site in Nicaragua has low productivity, high 
poverty, and little access to public utilities 
Objectives 
• Characterize the main uses of the soil in the watershed, the typology of the producers , and 
production problems_ 
• Identify entry points for adaptive and participative strategic research that should be done in 
the SOL 
41 
The process began with the compilation and analysis of the available secondary infonnation in 
severa! instítutions in the municipality. Workshops were also held to valídate the collected 
infonnation with key informants. 
Results and Discussion 
The Calico River watershed has a total extension of 170 km and heights range from 400 to 1200 
m. The annual average precipitation over the last 13 years was 1547 mm and varied between 
1000 to 2050 mm). Rainfall distribution is unimodal with greater falls in the months of 
September and less in March. The soil types that predominate in the watershed are Entisols 
(86%), Inceptisols (5%), Alfi sols (4%), and Vertisols (4%) (Murillo and Osorio 1999\ Most of 
the soils haye little depth, from 2-5 inches (Balwdano et al 19984) . According to producers, the 
soil does not y\eld well without fertilizer and weeds are a problem. 
According to infonnation from PRODESSA, this municipality is characterized by a strong 
smallholding sector, which coexists with a sector of medium and large farm exploitations. From 
60% to 65% of the rural families do not own land (they rent). They produce basic grains, use few 
inputs, and occupy less than 6% of the total surface. About 10% of producers have from 9 to 70 
ha of land and produce basíc grains for consumption and coffee commercially. The main use of 
the land is n-atural or cultivated pasture. 
The same diagnostic indicates that the production systems are stratified according to altitude. 
Coffee is found mainly in the higher areas (700-800 m) an~ basic grains from 500-800 m. 
Average crop productíon ís low: maize 1.8 t per ha, bean 0.8 t per ha, sorghum 2.4 t per ha, and 
coffee 0.27 t per ha. An increase has been observed both in the yield and in area sown bet~een 
1995 and 1998 as a result of incorporating new areas to agriculture and the use of inputs. The 
analyses of prices indicare an increase in the costs of production and a decrease in the prices of 
sale of basic grains. There is evidence of using trees for the production of fírewood, fence posts, 
and live barriers, and of home gardens. 
Below we list results of the last populatíon diagnostíc carried out by the Mayor's Office in 1998. 
These figures, compared with other sources of infonnation, indicate that from 1995 to 1998 the 
population grew by more than 2000 inhabitants per year, whích suggests high growth anda 
deñsíty of 140 inhabitants per km2. The average of persons per dwelling is 6.47, which is slightJy 
greater compared with 6.37 in the population overall. Water services are variable-in sorne 
watersheds they are adequate (e.g., Susulí), while in others they are deficient, especially during 
the dry period. Education levels are very low; the most educated person has an average of about 
4 years of study. The index of illiteracy is 60% and is similar to the nationallevel. Health and 
birth problems are high. The diagnostic canied out by the Mayor's Office classified 1_? 
communities and the urban area of San Dionisio within the strata of extreme, high, average, and 
low poverty. 
3 Murillo K. Osorio D. 1999. Caracterización de los recursos naturales edáficos de la subcuenca del río Calico. San 
Dionisio. Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Dissertation, Facultad de Recursos Naturales (FARENA), Universidad Nacional 
Agraria (UNA). CIAT, Managua. Nicaragua. 64 p. 
4 Baltodano ME. Tijerino D, Vernooy R. J 998. Análisis de bienestar en la subcuenca del río Calico, San Dionisia, 
Matagalpa, Managua. Technical report, PE-3, CIAT. Cali, Colombia. 
42 
Results of population survey made by the Mayor's Office, San Dionisia, Matagalpa, Honduras 
Populatíon Potable water Electricity Education Health 
Urban: L,215 Households: Domes tic Students: Three health 
Rural :14,601 Domes tic connections: Primary:2,998 centers in the 
Total :16,816 connections: 601 (19% of Secondary: 395 rural area and one 
1,773 (57%) coverage) andan Total : 3,393 center in San 
Wells: indeterminate no. Illiteracy: 60% Dionisia 
Total coverage of of illegal (ambulance) 
potable water: connectíons 
77% 
Below we summaríze the conclusions drawn about the main problems facing San Dionisia. 
Problem Causes Effects 
Decrease in soíl fertility ~ Water erosion > Few production 
~ Crop practices al ternati ves 
);> Líttle use of conservation ~ Decreasing yíelds 
systems );> Migtation or advance of 
the agricultura! border 
Decrease in quantity and ~ Deforestatíon ~ Deterioration of health 
qualíty of water > Contaminatíon ~ Decrease in agricultura! 
~ Long periods of drought poten ti al 
> Problems of ownershíp > No use of irrigation 
over sources of water 
Little diversification of ~ No knowledge of options )> Reduced food supply 
production ~ Lack of markets )> Low income levels 
~ High costs of alternatives ~ Poverty sustained 
Low productivity )> Low seed quality )> Less food availability 
~ Infertile soils )> Economy of survivaJ 
);> Natural pastures of low )> Low margin of 
quality commercialization 
~ Little use of technology );> Low production volumes 
appropriate to the zone 
Low levels of education )> Insufficient physical }> Low individual 
i nfrastructure development 
~ Few qualified personnel }> Low social developrnent 
~ Children have to work )> Low house sustainment 
Contributor: "ME Baltodano 
Collaborators: Institutions of the region 
43 
2.1.9 Characterization of the state of degradation of production systems in 
Wibuse/Jicaro 
Reported in Soils (PE-2) Annual Report. 
2.2 Ex-ante evaluate alternative scenarios of landscape management 
2.2.1 Apply the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SW A T) model for quantifying river 
flow and sedimentation in the Jalapa watershed 
Objectiyes 
./ Evaluate soil use in the watersheds where research takes place 
./ Evaluate the hydrological behavior of the watersheds 
Training was given on use of the model in a course given by CONDESAN and the Ministry of 
the Environment at CIAT. All information necessary to carry out the analysis on the three 
watersheds was obtained from data collectors and those working in GIS. Only most of the data 
required were obtained for Cabuyai-Cauca, Colombia. Thus the analysis was done for this 
watershed. 
A water balance approximate to the .behavior of the watershed with parameters such as .. 
precipitation and water flow was made at daily leve) for 8 years. A real verification was not 
carried out because no data were available from the watersheds. The tluctuation over time and 
the different uses of soi l can be seen in the repons, which are available for consultation. 
Contributor: A Jiménez Nieto 
2.2.2 Validate the model of accessibility for small-scale coffee processors 
Highlight 
../ Ex-ante methodology of economic appraisal applied and validated 
Objective 
• Presenta strategy that con-tributes to reducing the number of discharges of coffee 
contaminants by means of an optimization of the number of coffee processing plants and 
incentives for producers to use them 
The study was carried out in the municipality of San Nicolás, Fria River watershed, western 
Honduras. One hundred and thiny-seven coffee farms there produce 47,361 sacks of coffee. To 
eliminare the anisanal processing plants run by small-scale producers, an economic incentive 
would have to be paid that covers the profit margin that the producer has from the whole process. 
44 
To define this margin, we elaborated a linear programming model to minimize the cost of 
transportation subject to six restrictions: 
(1) Maximum volume of coffee that each producer needs for processing, (2) Maxímum dístance 
to nearest processing site, (3) Water available per processing plant, (4) Rate of conversion 
applied in the commercial transactions, (5) Sum of the contaminants generated, and (6) Total 
amount invested in the project. 
To obtain the optimum solution, we used the GAMS program. This determines the optimum 
number of plants that should operate in a watershed, type of benefits, optimum location, 
contaminant control, water quantity used in the process, coffee distribution from farrns to the 
distinct processing sitcs that will be opened, and cost of the objective function per year. 
Results and Discussion 
The solution generated by the model indicares that an investment of US$667,000 would be 
needed to implement the whole plan. The cost of the objective function is US$138,000 per year. 
The number of plants that should operate in the watershed is about 15, of which eight should be 
of model 5 or central type, complemented with seven model 2s. To apply the solution, the 
producer would need to be paid US$5.75 per bag. The model allows us to generate settings of 
change in the strategy in the case that water availability is diminished or production increased. 
With the optimal solution, the levels of contamination would be reduced by 70%. 
The use of bioeconomic models permits us to evaluate the environmental and economic impact 
of decisions at farm and watershed levels, and to generare scenario::; of solutions that can be 
discussed among the groups of interest. 
Contributor: 
Collaborator: 
JM Gonzales, Instituto Hondureño del Café (IHCAFE) 
B Barbier (CIRAD) 
2.2.3 Extrapolation: Spatial Quantile Regressions (tool) and carrying capacity estimates 
Highlights 
>- Quantile and spatial regressions were implemented in S-PLUS· 
~ Carrying capaci ty was estimated for Honduras agricultura] producti vity 
Methods 
We implernented in SPLUS a new version of quantile regressions with goodness-of-fit 
assessment. from source code provided to us by the authors (Koenker and Machado l 999\ This 
allows us to make robust estimates of regression parameters for various percentiles of the 
conditional distribution, as well as allowing us to explore its shape. 
5 Koenker R. Machado J. 1999. Goodness of fit and related inference processes for quantile regressions. PDF 
document (Rl VS.pdt) . 30p. 
-+5 
We devísed a novel applicatíon of quantile regressions: theestimate of carryíng capacity and of 
the influence of factors that correlate to it. We applied the method to the per capita agricultura! -« 
productivity (PCAP) at village level in Honduras. By choosing the highest 90th percentile, we 
address the case of villages that ha ve performed the best, i.e., have highest PCAP, which is an 
• indicator of what is the best productivity to expect provided a given environment (accessibility, 
education, climate, etc). A village that performs poorly cannot expect todo much better than the 
10% best performing villages in Honduras (ór in the region) in similar environments. Therefore, 
the upper lirnit to agricultura! productivity is set by productivity achieved by villages in real 
world conditions, and this helps us estímate the real productivity gains to expect for poor 
villages, the ones that CIAT is targeting (Figure 17). On the other hand, if we analyze the lowest 
10th percentile, we address the case of poorly performing villages and assess what parameters 
correlate to this condition, independently of better off villages. 
Figure 17. 
,.,- 1! 
,.,- 1! 
1993 Honduras agricultura! productivity spatial distribution (log10 of Lempiras per 
capita), nationwide model. Top left: actual; Top right: median (ie., average 
situatíon); Bottom left: lowest 20% percentile (i.e., worst case, or what would 
happen if development fails); Bottom right: highest 20% percentile (i.e., best case, 
or what productivity could look like in the best real-world conditions (i.e., 
carrying capacity for agriculture). Note: white =no data 
46 
Results 
With quantile regressions, we can estímate the potential of a region and factors that contribute to 
a given outcome. Therefore, we can hannoníze desired future condition with an actual projected 
future condilion, based on actual data. By implementing quantile regressions in a spatial context, 
(i.e., process data in a given geographical environment as opposed to nationwide data as a whole) 
we can compare the potential of regional and national development. We can then decide what is 
the best approach to take to raise the well being of our target population. This work results 
particularly useful both to CIAT, by helping improve our targeting, and for our partners 
responsible in designing policies. The Proyecto Censo Estratégico (PROCES) concept note, that 
the Institut de recherche pour le développement (lRD) and CIAT are preparing, suggests a way 
of building a leaming process into regional development, where these methodologies can be 
transmitted to our partners. 
Contributor: G Leclerc 
CoiJaborator: B Barbier (CIRAD) 
2.3 Develop and apply the methodological tools for natural resource 
management at landscape level 
2.3.1 Finalize and socialize the Rural Atlas of Nicaragua 
Anton io Iturbe's leaving the project complicated the normal procedure of thís activity. _ 
Nevertheless, the initial version of the Rural Atlas is in the hands of the Nicaraguan institutions 
to include the metadata. We expect to have the final version ready next year. 
2.3.2 Finalize and socialize the Rural Atlas of Matagalpa with environmental indicators 
At local leve! (Matagalpa and San Dionisio, Nicaragua) a project wi th CIA T' s Land Use Project 
(PE-4) and the Ministerio Agropecuario y Forestal (MAGFOR) was defined to produce an Atlas 
for Matagalpa and San Dionisia. In this context, an indicator set was defined, databases 
consolidated and made operational, and the interface to use indicators and produce the Atlas was 
defined. At the same time, a case study at watershed level was developed for the Tascalapa 
watershed in Honduras. In this context, a framework andan índicator set was defined at this 
leve!. The work was finished in 2000 with the production of a CD-ROM.6 
The Indicators Toolkit was sent to the regional network members and other potential users. Of 
the Spanish version, 125 copies were sent to Central American institutions, and 300 copies of the 
English version were distributed to other regions/users. A database of recipients has been 
compiled for future analysis. 
Contributors: M Winograd (PE-4), JA Beltrán 
6 CIAT-MAGFOR-World Bank-UNEP. (CIAT-Minisrerio Agrocpecuario y Foresral-World Bank-United Nations 
Environment Program). 2000. Rural indicators for Matagalpa. CD-ROM Beta version for ArcView 3.1. CIAT, 
Cali, Colombia. 
47 
2.3.3 Participative diagnostic on the use and state of water and determination of local 
indicators of water quality 
This work is initiating and is not reported on this year. 
2.3.4 Determine bio-indicators of soil quality based on invertebrate communities 
This is the thesis work of Helena Velásquez (PE-2) and was initiated with an initial sampling in 
various land-use systems in the Wibuse watershed, San Dionisio, Nicaragua. Results are being 
analyzed. 
2.3.5 Guide on the use of mapping and photo-topographical analysis for evaluating 
natural resources at watershed leve! 
In severa! analyses and follow-up meetings on the training strategy carried out with trainers from 
Honduras and Nicaragua participating, it was recommended that the Guide on Photo-
topographical Analysis of Land ~se Trends be merged with the Participatory Mapping Guide. 
While waiting for this new product, trainers continued to use the two guides in separare format, 
but one beside the other to show their complementarities in the diagnosis of natural resources. 
The integration of these two guides was proposed as part of a workshop to revise all guides by 
mid 2001. Shortage of funds has postponed this workshop, but we expect it will be a priority for 
2002. By then, sorne of the experiences that are being collected in Africa through the 
presentation and adjustment of the guides will serve the purpose of a second edition of the DS 
instruments. On the other hand, new visions of CIA T's GIS expert-s on this topic may throw new 
light on the more advanced diagnostic tools to use in combination with the other biophysical DS 
instruments (e.g., modeling). 
Contributor: V Zapata 
2.3.6 A disaster prevention and response demonstratioil product 
Highlight 
>- A product is being developed, aimed at Latín American countries vulnerable to serious 
damage caused by natural disasters such as floods and landslides 
Results 
Dendron Resource Survey, a Canadian consulting firm in geomatics, is collaborating with CIAT 
to produce the disaster prevention and response demonstration product, aiming at Latín 
American countries vulnerable to serious damage caused by natural disasters such as floods and 
landslides. Dendron is responsible for the "story" and its presentation, while we produced 
orthomosaics and "fly-over videos" of RADARSAT images combined with relevant base data 
48 
and highlighting vulnerable areas. This was done u.sing PCI Fly!® and Berke'iey MPEG encoder. 
Geocoding 1 orthocorrection and mosaickíng of RADARSAT imagery. Relevant auxiliary data 
(terrain, water, population, infrastructure, environmental and sustainability indicators for 
Honduras) were prepared and their associated representation style. Figure 18 shows an example 
of the work in progress. 
Figure 18. Aerial view (30,000 ro) of Honduras North Coast, with main roads (red), 
secondary roads (white), and vulnerable municipalities colored according to their 
degree of vulnerability to natural disasters (blue, yellow). 
This product is in its final stage of developroent. It has helped raise CIAT capacity to deliver 
cutting-edge information products·, strengthened our relationships with the prívate sector, and 
will be used to promote CIAT and Dendron·s capacity to integrate geoinformation and 
RADARSAT imagery for country disaster preparedness and response. In addition. CIAT now 
counts on radar ímagery for Honduras worth US$40,000. 
Contributor: G Leclerc 
Collaborators: S Bolaños (PE-4), U Nielsen (Dendron Resource Surveys Inc) 
2.4 Promote and implement consortia for landscape management 
2.4.1 Prepare the Annual Operative Plan (AOP) of the MIS consortium 
The AOP of the MIS is available through a link on the project's Web page at 
http://www.l23.hn/ciathill/poa2k.htm 
Contributor: M Ayarza 
49 
2.4.2 Define the CLODEST AOP and form the San Dionisio Interinstitutional 
Consortium 
Highlights 
./ Gennplasm exchange to SOL sí tes at network leve! (Commission for agriculture and the 
environment) 
./ Elaboratíon of proposals jointly wíth local organizations 
./ Fonning of a committee to develop the project "Improving education for development" 
./ Definition of villages and activíties for a food security project of the Institut de Nutrición de 
Centro América y Panamá (INCAP) 
./ Fonnation of the provisional Committee (NGOs, and govemment and local organizations) 
for the consortium in San Dionisio, Nicaragua 
Objective 
• Assure the sustainabi lity of the interinstitutional consortium through obtaining Legal Title, 
jointly developing projects, and the operation of working commíttees and self-management 
of funds 
To develop activities for strengthening CLODEST, meetings were held with members of the 
Boards of Directors, committees, and other work teams temporarily fonned to elaborate orto 
revjse a particular document. For certain activitíes, workshops had to be organized with local 
representatives of organizations, govemment organizations (GOs), and NGOs. In both cases, 
participative methodologies were used, for example brainstorming, to facilitare participation of 
the assistants or team members. 
Results 
Because of the strengthening of CLODEST, changes in the operation of its organizing structure 
were generated, especially for committee-level work. At the sarne time, funds management and 
interinstitutional coordination were improved. Main results for each area of activity follow. 
(1) Management and administration 
As a resu lt of the support to the Board of Directors in this area, a plan to reduce expenses was 
elaborated that clearly establishes the responsibility of each partner in payments to be made. 
CLODEST needs to sell sorne services such as training to partners to collect funds for operating 
expenses. A system of monitoring and participative evaluation is beíng established at the leve! of 
CLODEST, the Red de Organizaciones Locales de Yorito y Sulaco (REDOLYS), and the 
Agroenterprise Committee. These systems establish indicators that pennü the Boards of 
Directors to know the degree of advance in activities. The three monítoring systems are being 
established at this time and we expect to see results next year. 
Another acti vity developed for CLODEST is the socialization of the route toward impact, which 
is explained elsewhere in this report. However, socializing more with members of the consortium 
is felt w be necessary. With the new change of Board of Directors the operation of CLODEST 
50 
has improved substantially. In many of the meetings and workshops developed, it is felt that the 
consortium partners are taking possession. The CLODEST has retaken its role of 
interinstitutional coordination. A third phase is initiating that is oriented to the joint search for 
funds. However, the percentage that CLODEST should contribute to facílitating propasa! 
attainment is not well defined. We should improve relations with the municípality and support it 
in the executíon of the municipal plan of development. We expect that obtaining Legal Title wíll 
not be an obstacle to legalizing CLODEST as the municipal committee of development. 
(2) Organizing structure 
The bringing up to date of membership through applying the agreement framework, and the 
revision and approval of the interna] regulation of CLODEST, hadas only objective the 
obtaining of Legal Title. The CLODEST members decided to obtain legal status to facilitare the. 
obtaining of funds and to assure pennanence. However, withín the sustainability strategy 
presented, the group contemplates the legalization of CLODEST befare the govemment ministry 
as the municipal committee of development. This will be an activity that we will support in the 
future. 
The Comisión de 'Agricultura y Medio Ambiente (COAMA) is íntegrated by CIAT, IPCA, 
SERTEDESO, and members of the groups ofproducers that form the SOL Sítes Network in 
Yorito. lt has a well-defined work plan and is developing activities of research, valídation, 
training, and seed multiplication. Advances in its activities are reported under Output 5, but in 
general it has developed about 50% of the 2001 work plan. This advance ís because of good 
communicatíons and relations among the committee members that have permitted excellent 
coordination of activities. 
With the support of the CIA T Agroenterprise ProjeGt, members of the Comité de Agroempresa y 
Comercialización ha ve elaborated and developed a workplan oriented to establishing a local 
support system to improve commercialization of products and the forrning of agroenterprises. 
The commission has improved its image relating to _other member of CLODEST and is 
beginning to establish the support system through the Documentation Center (bulletins of prices, 
walJ displays of visits to agroenterprises). Details of activities are reported under Output 4. It is 
importan! to emphasize that most of the members that form the committee are small-scale 
hillside producers. 
The main function of the Comisión de Aprobación de Pequeños Proyectos Productivos is that of 
revising and approving productive projects. During part of the year the financing of projects 
díminished because of the moratorium of credit (58%). An analysis by the Commission_ 
established the following measures: 
Revise and improve the productive projects' financing politics , 
Establish negotiations and recuperare the capital lent, and 
Actívate recuperation of the fund and reduce expenses by fixing the s.alary of the CLODEST 
technical advisor. 
Currently it has a well-defined policy of financíng, elaborated taking into account the experience 
of the partners of CLODEST and the Unían de Campesinos Organizados de San Dionisia 
(UCOSD). Lately, the idea was discussed of designing a credit system through rural community 
51 
credit associations or "cajas rurales", which ha ve created and strengthened the Agroenterprise 
Committee and SERTEDESO. In this way, funds will be handled in the communities. 
(3) Interinstitutional coordination 
Five meetings were held during the year with INTA, Asociación para la Diversificación y 
Desarrollo Agricola Comunal, Matagalpa (ADDAC), PRODESSA, Programa Campesino a 
Campesino (PCaC) and CIAT-Hillsides attending. It was established that the municipality would 
call together the institutions and local organizations, for which reason it was agreed to establish a 
provisional committee to continue with the coordination process. Themes for future discussion 
include reactivation of the Municipal Committee of Development, establishment of a database 
about beneficiaries and state of credit, and elaboration of a project for the Documentatíon Center. 
( 4) Self management 
For the first time in CLODEST's history, a new institution has arrived in the region (INCAP). It 
is using the consortium to define its objective population and to arrange its future activities. 
Another example of coordination is the facility with which the Executive Committe_e was formed 
for the project Improving Education for Development, in which the Instituto San Pedro (ISP), 
IPCA, CIAT, and sorne members of the Board of Directors of CLODEST are participating. To 
strengthen the self-management of funds, the preparation of eight joint proposals has been 
initiated. Representatives of local organizations prioritized them. These proposals will be 
submitted jointly with the municipality at the Programa Nacional de Desarrollo Sostenible 
(PRONADERS), in this way avoiding the duplication of activities and resources. 
Contributors: L Brizuela, JA Beltrán 
Collaborators: B Ferrara 
2.5 Strengthen participation of grass-roots organizations in consortia for 
landscape management 
2.5.1 Documentation of the pro ces ses of forming networks of local organizations 
Information is being compiled on lessons leamed about networks. Steps needed for the formation 
of networks of local organizations are being formulated. Results will be reported next year. 
2.5.2 Establish a method of follow up and evaluation of NRM projects in-local 
organization networks 
Not reported on this year. 
2.6 Monitor and evaluate landscape changes 
2.6.1 Analyze and monitor the water of the Tascalapa River watershed 
This work is in process of analysis and not reported on this year. 
52 
2.6.2 Analyze and monitor rainfall distribution at watershed level 
Highlight 
"./ Database available of daily rainfall and distribution in the Tascalapa River watershed 
Objective 
• Determine the variation in daily precipitation at watershed level by means of community 
pruticipation that supports the systematization of information and serves as backup in 
decision taking at locallevel 
The Tascalapa River watershed covers an area of 112 square kilometers. Its waters circulate from 
north to south. Tascalapa has a central corridor and two mountain groups to the east and west. 
The height above sea leve! varíes between 400-1600 m. The network is formed by producers that 
manually take rain data by means of rain gauges. The rainfall readings are carried out daily. An 
analysis was carried out of the ínformation that spans the period 1996-2001, in order to 
determine rain distribution and monthly averages. Figure 19 shows the distribution of the rain 
stations in the watershed and the respective altitude in agreement with a digital elevation model 
(DEM) ata scale of 1:50,000. Heights range from 400 to 1600 meters abo ve sea leve!. 
• '\t,illa:ges 
Af-Rlvers O 'Y.Jater$treCl 
"' L~l r:aln_st~tton~ 
Elevatt~n (Jnet~st 
O~Q1 ~ 60<l 
r-~·éo1-~ 
eQ1-1000 
- 1_001 ;- -120Q 
- 1201-1400 
- ~401 -1~()(1 
0 .1601 ·•1(100 
D 180'L-2000 
C J NoDat.._ 
Figure 19. Distribution of local rain stations in the Tascalapa River watershed. 
Results and Discussion 
The annual average of precipitation in the watershed is 1500 mm. March and April ha ve the 
lowest raínfall, with March the driest month. July and September ha ve the most rainfall, with 
September the rainiest month of the year (Figure 20). 
53 
-E1gn+-------------------~~~~------~~--~ 
-
o 1000 
Figure 20. Relationship between elevation and precipitation in the Tascalapa watershed, 
Y oro, Honduras. 
To determine differences both for production systems and coverage of the soil inherent in the 
si tes of the watershed, two areas were defmed - the upper area and the central corridor. The 
upper area of the watershed shows greater averages of rainfall than the lower central area. Table 
10 shows rainfall totals in order from greatest to least. · 
Table 10. Rainfall totals for communiúes in tbe Tascalapa River watershed, Y oro. HondW'aS. 
Community Area of watershed Elevaúon (m) Annual total (mm) 
San Antonio Central 420 1005 
Coyol Dulce Central 492 1445 
San Jerooimo Central 600 1362 
El Espino Central 636 1121 
Luquigue Central 650 1572 
Sol- Luquigue Central 740 1140 
El Guaco Central 790 1110 
Albardilla Central 880 1388 
La Laguna Upper 995 1721 
Lagwlitas Upper 1123 1955 
Los Planes Upper 1147 1841 
Mina Honda Upper 1194 1939 
Santa Cruz Upper 1200 1605 
Higuero Quemado Upper 1673 2142 
The change in the quantity of rainfall can be differentiated and predicted according to altitude in 
the Tascalapa watershed. The adjustment of the regression function is good (!- = 0.7631). The 
monthly distribution of rainfall conditions crop sowing dates that begin in May and end in 
October. Two production cycles can be sown. 
Contributor: O Mejía 
Collaborators: G Palma, L Brizuela 
Output 3: Organizations strengthened 
3.1 Develop and/or validate methods and tools for developing and 
strengthening key organizations 
3.1.1 Validate the Guide for establishing small seed enterprises 
The guide for establishing small seed enterprises was completed in July 2001. It coJJects together 
all the experience gained through the Seeds of Hope Project and other previous CIA T 
experiences in the field. Guillermo Giraldo and his associates in Honduras and Nicaragua are 
carrying out validation of the guide. We expect that training activities with this guide will be 
fully developed by next·year. Financia! resources for its publication and for trai ning activities are 
expected to be in place for the year 2002. 
Supponed by the training strategy, an important innovation was included in this new product. A 
set of four three-dimensional models that .are fully operational accompanies tne guide. These 
small-scale models of cleaning and selection machines are carried to the training sites for 
demonstration purposes and to moti vate farmers to construct of real machines. The true-scale 
blueprints of machines are included in the guide for future reference in their construction. 
Contributor: V Zapata 
3.1.2 Apply the methodology of levels of welJ being at curricular leve! 
Not reported on this year. 
3.1.3 Elabora te a manual for postharvest of basic grains 
The manual was written anda fi rst printing was made with a local printing press. However, the 
diffusion process was postponed because of problems with the quali ty of the printing. 
3.1.4 Elabora te a teaching booklet for preparing community projects 
Highlight 
./ The Campos Verdes Asso~iation in San Dionisio elaborare criteria for approving community 
projects 
Objective 
• Strengthen self-management capabilities in grass-roots organizations 
55 
The Board of Directors of Campos Verdes met for a brainstorming session that resulted in a first 
draft of a list of possible criteria for incorporating the methodological instruments. Criteria were 
grouped by theme, each theme having a series of indicators both precise and quantitative. 
Facilitators from CIAT collaborated in the final design of the too! (teaching booklet). The second 
leve! of consultation was with representatives and leaders of the Association; and the third and 
final leve! was meeting with inhabitants of the 15 communities that make up the municipality of 
San Dionisio through discussion forums with each community where the process was revealed. 
A final activity was the training of leaders and Association representatives in the use of the 
teaching booklet. 
Results 
A commission of four communíty representatives was formed to evaluate and approve 
community projects jointly with the members of the Association's Board of Directors. Dates 
coinciding with sowing times were defined for receiving community project proposals. The 
Association prioritized criteria for acceptance of projects. With. use of the teaching booklet, 
approved mini-projects increased slightly from five (in 1998) to seven (in 2001). The number of 
communities benefiting also increased from three to five. The too! is thought to have helped 
communities better prioritize their needs. Table 11 shows ho~ three selected projects scored 
using the criteria for selection. 
Table 11 . Critería for selection and scoríng of three selected projects. 
Project Community Criterio o Maximum score Score assigned 
Drinking water Piedra Colorada J usti fication 30 30 
Beneficiaries 25 20 
Community contribution 35 35 
Budget and Plan 20 20 
Contribution to NRM 15 15 
Legal documents lO 10 
Project duration 5 5 
Total 140 135 
Well Junquill Justification 30 18 
Beneficiaries 25 25 
Community contribution 35 21 
Budget and Plan 20 12 
Contribution to NRM 15 15 
Legal documents lO 10 
Project duration 5 5 
Total 140 106 
Land Carrizal J usti fication 30 18 
Beneficiaries 25 25 
Community contríbution 35 o 
Budget and Plan 20 12 
Contribution to NRM 15 15 
Legal documents 10 o 
Project duration S 2 
Total 140 82 
56 
As can be seen, the financia! resources available to Campos Verdes, instead of financing mini-
projects related to NRM, were oriented to satisfying demands in the area of infrastructure and 
production. Almost 70% of invested resources in 1999-2001 were destined to these areas. -
Communities need more training in the use of the booklets and the filling out of the format. 
Contributors: D Tijerino, JA Beltrán 
Collaborators: Association of local organizations Campos Verdes 
3.1.5 Elabora te a Guide on monitoring and participative evaluation at the level of grass-
roots organizations 
Highlight 
./ A first draft of a training guide is available for validatíon with partners 
Objective 
• Support communities and local organizations in the implementation of a monítoring system 
At the begínning of August 2001, a workshop to prepare this guide was held in Honduras with 
the participation of Kirsten Probst and 20 professionals from the Apoyo a la Foresten a Comunal 
(AFOCO) and IPCA, the two associated institutions that worked with her on the development of 
this methodology. After the workshop, work continued on refining the general structure of the 
guide that was agreed upon and was completed. Support was also provided to fhe main author in 
dealing with the didactic aspects of the guide. 
A first draft is now being prepared with the support of the Hillsides Project. Sorne of the 
workshop participants will take the role of reviewers and sorne will participate_in developing 
content and exercises. A first draft of the guide will be used in a workshop on participatory 
monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) to be held in Honduras at the beginning of October 2001. 
This workshop, coordinated by Susan Kaaria, will shed insíghts on the initial work on the guide. 
Contributor: 
Collaborator: 
K Probst (University of Hohenheim) 
V Zapata 
3.1.6 Elaborate the second edition of the Guides on Informed Decision Making for 
Sust.ainable Natural Resource Management and the new poster presentations of the 
Guides 
The second edition of the eight decision-support guides is an acti vity that could not be financed 
this year. Nevertheless, the experiences gained through the productíon of the Local Indicators of 
Soil Quality Guide for East Africa indicate that the feedback provided by the African scientists 
enhanced the quality of this research. Thus the original authors could adjust the Guide in its 
structure and content. A series of workshops will be held for East and South African countries 
57 
between October and November 2001, followed by a training-for-trainers activities foreseen for 
2002. From these events, the Hillsides Project is expected to collect an important amount of 
feedback and recommendations that will make the revision of the training guides more relevant 
both for Latin Amelica and for African countlies. Then, new posters of the training guides will 
be worth publishing. 
3.2 Train local, regional, and national organizations in the use of 
methodologies andlor tools developed by CIA T 
3.2.1 Monitor Action Plans of institutions trained in the use of the project tools 
Highlight 
../ Ten communities in Bolivar, Colombia prepare Action Plans then included into the 
"environmental plan" for the municipality 
Objectives 
• Support the elaboration of Action Plans at community leve) 
• Strengthen Iinks with partner organizations 
Materials ami Methods 
The preparation, revision, and approval of Action Plans for follow-up purposes are part of the 
training strategy. The Hillsides Project provided technical support in the preparation of all Action 
Plans. A guide for the design of plans and instruments to conduct follow-up activities was 
prepared and applied during visits carried out by trainers and CIA T' s training team. Subsequent 
adjustments of this guide and the instruments were adopted for use in East African countries and 
for the preparation of thesis pr?posals for universities in Nicaragua. 
This year a majar effort was made in terms of following up the Action Plans (18) prepared by 
members of institutions attending.the training events. Six of the Action Plans were in Nicaragua, 
and seven in Honduras. Ten communities of the municipality of Bolivar (Valle, Colombia) made 
a cluster of Action Plans. Acuavalle, the regional contractor of water distribution services in 
Valle, working with two community organizations (Asobolo and Asofrayle), presented another 
- plan. The Corporación Colombiano de Investigación Agropecuaria (CORPOICA) presented 
another plan. The Universidad La Molí na in Peru presented an Action Plan, and the Fondo 
Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (FONAIAP) presented one in Venezuela. 
A report on ex ante analysis of Action Plans is available separately. 
Results 
Although financia! support for the development of these plans is expected to be provided by the 
institutions themselves, very limited funds (less than US$15,000) were provided this year toa 
58 
few institutions that requested complementary resources to carry out sorne of the activities 
included in the Action Plans. The single most important recipient of funds this year was 
Ecofuturo (US$5000), an NGO that signed a cooperation agreement with CIAT and the 
Corporación Vallecaucana de las Cuencas Hidrograficas y el Medio Ambiente 
(CORPOCUENCAS). This latter organization in the Department of Valle provides support for 
sustainable management of natural resources, and made a contribution of US$5000 to the 
application of the Guides. The NGO Ecofuturo worked intensively with 10 communities of 
Bolívar, Valle, Colombia in the application of four of the DS instruments. These communíties 
prepared Actión Plans that were consolidated by Ecofuturo, in consensus with them, and later 
presented to the mayor of Bolívar for his consideration. He has included this plan into the 
municipal agenda as the "Environmental Plan" for the municipality. CIAT is now lobbying 
befare the State Watersheds Authority (CVC, its Spanish acronym) to motívate this organism to 
provide the funds for Bolívar to execute the plan. 
Ecofuturo and the local communities in Bolívar have responded to CIAT training efforts better 
than any other institutions in the three reference countries. Therefore, we strongly recommend 
that next year this NGO continues to work hand in hand with CIAT, not only with PE-3, but also 
with other projects that need a reference site for research purposes. The renewal of an agreement 
. of cooperation with CIA T is now underway to strengthen the relationship with this organism and 
the community of Bolívar. 
Contributor: V Zapata 
3.2.2 Strengthen the national training teams 
Highlight 
./ A set of tools developed with participation of trainers as a basis for writing ex-ante reports on 
Action Plans 
Objective 
• Train trainers in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Colombia to carry out the monitoring and 
evaluation of Action Plans 
Materials and Methods 
Trainers in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Colombia were trained to carry out the monitoring and 
evaluation of Action Plans. In three workshops designed for this purpose, a set of guidelines 
were presented to the trainer teams that included the guiding principies and the methodology to 
prepare the instruments to be applied during monitoring and the terms of reference for the 
preparation of reports. The Guide, entitled "Guia para el Seguimiento de Planes de Acción" is a 
document that covers among other tapies: 
Purposes and justification for the monítoring of Action Plans, (efficiency, efficacy, and 
relevance of Action Plans are covered here), 
59 
Consíderatíons on the end users of follow-up reports (for whom do we monitor?), to ínclude 
researchers, end users, decisíon makers, and even policymakers, 
Purposes of process/product monitoring and the steps to follow up Action Plans, and 
Uses of baseline studies and relevant questions that should be included in the monitoring 
instruments with particular emphasis on the description of the local physíography, the local 
organizational set up, and the initíal status of Actíon Plans. 
Results 
As a result of trainíng, a set of instruments was prepared with the partícípation of trainers and 
CIA T professionals in charge of training actívities. The tools were used during visíts to Actíon 
Plan sites and were the basís for writing the ex-ante reports. Reports on 18 Action P_lans are 
available in a sep.arate document. We expect that thís methodology and the ínstruments will be 
adjusted to the needs of African Action Plans now underway and will be applied during ex-ante 
visits at the beginning of ·next year. So far, African partners have followed the same formats used 
in Latín America. Those who received financia! support this year will be provided with the 
follow-up instruments for theír adaptatíon during the next visit to Africa in November 2001. 
Contributor: V Zapata 
3.2.3 Develop learning alliances in establishing rural agroenterprises with CRS, CARE, 
World Vision, and CASM 
The inítiative of leaming alliances was presented during a meeting to four NGOs in Honduras: 
Catholic Relief Service (CRS). Cooper~tive for American Remittances Everywhere (CARE), 
Comisión de Acción Social Menonita (CASM), and World Vision. The main agreement of this 
meeting was to senda work propasa! to each of these organizations, beca use all showed ínterest 
in the initiatíve. Of the four, only CRS tndícated it could not participare in this ínitiative. The 
others reaffirmed their ínterest. In the last meetings held wíth each, they infonned us that they 
are socialízing this information withín their projects. Sorne of the projects are including these 
activities in their annual planning for next year beginning in October 2001 and finalizing in 
September 2002. Therefore the signing of an agreement of cooperation with these institutions in 
this area will be carried out possibly between November and December this year. 
3.2.4 Support national and international training workshops 
Highlight 
../ Twelve actívítíes carried out in Honduras, and fourteen in Nicaragua 
Objective 
• Diffuse the methodological tools generated by the project 
60 
Results 
Dissemination of the DS tools was carried out in multiple scenarios and toa wide range of 
audiences. In Honduras the tools, along with proposals for interinstitutional cooperation for their 
application in severa! cases, were presented to: 
PRONADERS, 
The Secretary of Natural Resources and the Environment, 
Administración Forestal del Estado (AFE)/ Corporación Hondureña de Desarrollo Forestal 
(COHDEFOR), 
Asociación de Municipalidades de Honduras (AMHON), and 
Comisionado Pennanente de Contingencias (COPECO), the National Disasters Authority. 
In Nicaragua, the tools and related strategies for their application were presented to: 
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and related organisms, 
INTA, for whom a proposal to develop an in-house facility to train trainers and to develop 
training materials was presented upon their request, 
Eleven institutions of higher education for whose students and teachers a special training 
workshop was conducted this year, and 
The donor community through visits and communications. 
This year, 14 activities geared to strengthening institutional knowledge about the DS instruments 
and seeking institutional collaboration were carried out in Nicaragua. Activities included: 
Regular meetings w1th the National Coordinating Traíning Committee, 
Visits to institutions in Matagalpa, Estelí, Somoto, Managua, Rivas, Jinotepe, Carazo, and 
Leon, 
Meetings with university professors , deans, and rectors, 
Visits to Action Plans, 
Meetings with the Programa del Trópico Seco (TROPISEC), and 
Meetings with students of the Universidad Nacional Agraria (UNA) to help them design their 
theses to use the DS tools. 
Training activities were reduced in number this year because of scarcity of financia! resources. 
Nevertheless, targeted audiences were provided with training. A workshop to present four of the 
eight DS tools to 11 Nicaraguan organizations work.ing in close cooperatíon with TROPISEC 
was canied out in Estelí with 27 people participating. In Nicaragua, a workshop to present the 
eight DS tools was delivered to 24 students and teachers of 11 Nicaraguan institutions in El 
Crucero to promote the use of the tools in the development of theses. Students from the National 
University of Matagalpa presented an interesting proposal, but their request to support this 
initiative was tumed down because_of financia! constraints. 
In Honduras, two institutions were provided with training in the use of DS tools this year. 
Twenty-four professionals from World Vision received a workshop on the use of the tools. 
Unfortunately, the local workshop coordinator collected no Action Plans. The other institution 
visited was ENA, whose teachers have integrated sorne of the DS tools into the agronornic 
sciences' curriculum and are using sorne of the tools in field activities oriented to NRM. 
61 
This year, a series of 12 activities was canied out in Honduras, different to the preparation and 
execution of training workshops. We participated in three Soils Fairs, one in San Francisco de 
Los Valles, Santa Bárbara, another at ENA, and one in Quimisaca, Lempira, in coordination with 
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)- Proyecto Lempira Sur (PROLESUR). Three 
meetings were held with the National Team of Trainers to prepare the monitoring instruments, 
study the proposed methodology, and write follow-up reports after visits to Action Plans. Visits 
were made to seven institutions in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula to motívate their signing of 
cooperation agreements with CIAT (CARE, the Secretaria de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente 
[SERNA], ENA, SDC, CASM, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Forestales [ESNACIFOR], and 
World Vision). A seminar was held in August 2000 in which Migue l Ayarza and his team 
presented CIA T's portfolio of technologies. Other activities relate to furthering the training of 
trainers through two "micrq-teaching workshops", one carried out at ESNACIFOR, 
Siguatepeque and another in Catacamas, for the National Agricultural School. · 
A continuous interaction with PRONADERS has provided room to collaborate wi th this 
organism in paving the way towards the establishment of the Inter-American Development Bank 
(IDB) Priority Watersheds Program. On their request, training was delivered toa group of 
professionals from GOs and NGOs on the topic of "Local Management" (Gestión Local). The 
material presented in the Land Discovery Approach was redesigned into a guide that was useful 
for participants to · 
• AnaJyze the meaning of "gestión local", 
• Review sorne of the decision-making tools that can be used to develop institutional capacities 
for "local management", and 
• Formulate a model that would fit the needs of the participating institutions. 
It is also expected that this new guide can be sharpened for use in African and Asían countries 
when presenting the NRM DS tools. A guide anda report on this activity are available in the 
Project's Documentation Unit. 
All training and consultation activities carried out this year were almost totally supported by 
institutions requesting training. In most cases the national training teams conducted the training. 
Local coordinators in Honduras and Nicaragua and local CIAT personnel provided logistic 
support to the trainjng. In this endeavor both the regional coordinator in Honduras and the liaison 
officer in Nicaragua were tirelessly aggressive. 
Contributor: V Zapata 
3.2.5 Support the incorporation of the methodological tools in organizations by means of 
training and consultancy 
This year, two institutions received training and consultancy to incorporate the DS tools into 
ongoing plans and projects. The first is the Universidad Nacional Agraria "La Malina" 
(UNALM) in Peru, where a project to develop innovations in curriculum implementation is 
being financed by the Kellogg Foundation. This project intends to strengthen the capacity of 
teachers (agricu!ture and other faculties) to engage in extramural activities where community and 
62 
students ha ve the opportunity to interact to gain technical inforrnation on the one hand and field 
experience on the other. CIAT delivered a course for teachers where Participatory Mapping, 
Local Indicators of Soil Quality, and Stakeholder Analysis were covered. Additionally, 
guidelines on cuniculum development were provided to the reachers. A follow-up visit was 
made 6 monrhs later to observe the results of the incorporation of the tools into the cunicula. 
Seven instructors reported having used the DS tools in a variety of activities, mainly at the 
reference site the University has at Mala, a small desert location 60 kilometers southeast of 
Lima. The other institution incorporating the DS tools in an ongoing project is CORPOICA, in 
the regional center of Nariño. The "Proyecto Guaitara", as it is called, focuses on degraded soils 
in 10 municipalities of this state. Using nationa!ly recruited funds, CORPOICA is working with 
the Unidades Municipales de Asistencia Técnica Agropecuaria (UMATAs), its own technical 
assistance experts, aod researchers both from the local offices and from ~ther regional 
CORPOICA offices in the country. They are applyíng participatory research, technical 
assistance, and training strategies to recover degraded soils in this zone. CIAT provided training 
to these professionals in Soil Quality Indi.cators, Participatory Mapping, Organizational 
Processes, and Stakeholder Analysis. The use of these instruments was incorporated into the 
diagnostic phase of the project now underway. Specific inforrnation regarding the way in which 
these ínstruments are being used is condensed into the report on the visit to the CORPOICA 
Action Plan, presented after training was delivered. 
Contributor: V Zapata 
3.3 Strengthen small~$cale producers, managers, and local, regional, and 
national organizations through participatory investigative methods 
3.3.1 Support the consolidation of development committees of Rural Agroenterprises in 
Yorito and S~laco 
Highlight 
../ Two local committees for the development of agroenterprises and support to 
comme(cialization established and functioning according to the work plan 
Objectives 
• Support -the consolidation of the rural agroenterprise development committees in the 
municipalities of Yorito and Sulaco in the department of Y oro, Honduras 
• Train members of the committees in the management of the methodologies of the "Market -
Options ldentification for Small Producers and the Productive Development of Integrated 
Projects" 
63 
First we applied the Market Opportunities Identification methodology for small-scale producers 
(Ostertag 19987) from which a portfolio was obtained of 14 products. After identifying these 
products. work continued in 2000 on forming a committee of commercialization and mícro-
industry. A Plan of Activities was elaborated for each committee and the Vision, Mission, and 
Objective was defined for each committee. During 2001 another plan of activities was carried 
out, taking as a base the activities that were pending from the previous year and adding new 
activities to these. 
Results and Discussion 
This year, most of the activities of both committees were canied out, according to what was 
outlined in the plan of ac'tivities for the present year. This is because of greater support to the 
committees on the part of the project agroenterprises, and the committees' greater understanding 
of their true role within the watershed. 
The main results obtained with both committees were: 
Annual work plan elaborated for each committee and being executed according to plan. 
Active committees. Both committees are executing the programmed activities in agreement 
with the plan elaborated at the start of the year. The committee of Yorito has been more 
active than that of Sulaco, because of a greater degree of commitment of the Yorito 
committee members and their greater dedication of time. 
Two proyectos productivos integrados (PPls) were developed. The Y arito committee 
devcloped the Coffee PPI and began fa work on one of vegetables and one of processed 
kitchen garden products. At least one of these will be finished at the end of this year. In 
Su laca, the Maize PPI was completed and is now being executed. Also work was begun on 
the PPI of mil k products for the zone and is expected !O finish at the end of the year. 
Two new rural credit associations were created and four more strengthened through training 
in management andbanking operation, and with seedcapital to support the activities of 
product transformation in the municipalities of Yorito- and Sulaco. Likewise, a regulation for 
credit was elaborated for tQeir management. 
Markets information system initiated. Members of the Yorito committee. received 
informarían on prices of the Comercialización Alternativa (COMAL) network each week. 
Every 2 weeks the committee members process this infonnation and make it available in-
visible places in the municipality of Yorito and Sulaco through pages that are pasted in 
different public places of the watershed. Likewise, a primer for each market option identified 
in the market study containing market windows for each crop is being distributed among the 
producers. To date, five primers have been elaborated, of which three were distributed. More 
information on the impact of this system will be available next year. 
A monitoring and evaluation system was initiated in the Yorito committee. This system will 
be implemented in the Sulaco committee and in the rural credit associations. 
7 Ostertag CF. 1998. Identification and evaluation of mnrket opportunities for small-scale rural producers. Guide No. 
7 (in Spanish) of the series "Instrumentos metodologicos para la toma de decisiones en el manejo de los 
recursos naturales". CIAT. Cali , Colombia. 182 p. 
64 
Leadership was given in the elaboration of proposals to submit to PRONADERS of the 
govemment of Honduras. A workshop was carried out to determine the project needs of the 
organizations pertinent to CLODEST. Then organizations with interests in common united to 
carry out proposals as a group. Finally, six proposals were obtained that will be presented by 
CLODEST at PRONADERS. 
Committee members know the methodologies of Market ldentification by Small Producers 
and of elaboration of PPis, although they are lacking in sorne aspects of both methodologies 
that both committees should improve. 
An accounting system was established for each committee. Each committee has an 
accounting system that permits it to know how the budget of each committee is spent. 
The Yorito and Sulaco committees developed, jointly with other local organizations of the 
Tascalapa River watershed,five profiles of proposals to present at the Proyecto de 
Reactivación de la Economía (RERURAL) of PRONADERS. However, because RERURAL 
only finances project infrastructure, the proposals will be presented to other donors to raise 
complementary funds for training, seed capital, and technical assistance to set the projects in 
motion. Table 12 gives the projects in more detai l. -
Table 12. Pro files of projects elaborated by organizations of Yorito and Sulaco to be presented to various 
donors•. 
a. 
No. Project Participating organizations Presentation to donors 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
Center for Managerial CLODEST RERURAL Project 
Development 
Grain Bank for the municipality REDOLYS, ACELY. RERURAL, EEC, and 
of Yorito ASOCIAL ASPPE Project 
Layíng hens ASOCIAL RERURAL, EEC, and 
ASPPE Project 
Transformation of Sugarcane Caja Rural Tascalapa and RERURAL, EEC, and 
Project REDOLYS ASPPE Project 
Seed Production CIAL AMHUPROH and RERURAL, EEC, and 
ACEL Y San Antonio ASPPE Project 
Graín Bank for the Sulaco val ley CIDES, PUS RERURAL, EEC, and 
ASPPE Project 
For acronyms and abbreviations used, see page 131 . 
Both committees participated in the elaboration of the final proposal to determine the 
feasibi lity, of the local support services in the region of Yorito and Sulaco. Christopher 
Wheatley initially presented the proposal at the le)lel of Concept Note. The New ZeaJand 
government approved this and then asked for the final proposal, which was presented at the 
end of August 2001 and approval is expected to begin work in January 2002. 
Commercialization channels were identified for products of the Tascalapa River watershed. 
The Yorito committee members toured to different agricultura] fairs in the ar~a of Valle de 
Sula, which includes the cities of San Pedro Sula, La Lima, Choloma, El Progreso, and 
Villanueva. Contacts for product commercialization were identified, and the conditions of 
purchase - sale at all the fairs except for that of Choloma. The Sulaco committee made a 
65 
verbal agreement with the DEMAHSA business, the biggest maize tlour producer of 
Honduras, to sell maize production of the Sulaco valley ata price of 148.00 Lempiras (about 
US$9.50) per quintal 8 in the crop season at the DEMAHSA installations in San Pedro. 
Compared to the price that producers normally receive in the crop season (US$5.80 per 
quintal) this represents a net increase (less transport costs) of 44% in producer income. 
Contributor: M Méndez (SN-1) 
Collaborators: B Perrera (CLODEST); M Flores (CID ES); members of the Comisión de 
Crédito, Microempresas y Comercialización (CMC)-Yorito; members of the 
Comisión de Producción, Crédito, Comercialización y Microempresas 
(CPCCM)-Sulaco; M Lundy (SN-1); M Totobesola (SN-1); L Brizuela 
3.3.2 Support the identification, evaluation, and design of the Coffee and Seeds PPis in 
the Tascalapa River watershed 
Highlight 
../ Two PPis (coffee in Yorito and maize in Sulaco) were designed and are being executed 
Objectives 
• Generare an Action Plan to strengthen the production chain of coffee and of maize 
• Train members of the Rural Committees of Agroenterp~ises of Yorito and Sulaco in the 
management of the methodology used that perrnits obtaining results with the participation of 
in'(ited actors-so that the committees can execute similar workshops to support other 
managerial chains 
Matedals and Methods 
Taking as base the results of the Market Opportunities Identification st~dy for Small Producers 
elaborated in 1999, the prioritization of the coffee production chain was carried out as promising 
according to the criterion of Yorito committee members. This chain was prioritized because 
coffee is a product that is produced extens-ively in the zone and represents an important source of 
income and of employment for most people of the zone. 
A workshop where participative tools were used in order to visualize the flow of products, 
inforrnation, inputs, and funds in the chain. This was done to analyze the real capacities of the 
economic organizations that constitute the chain and to understand the available support services 
and past interventions. At the end of this phase, the chain could be better visualized and the 
interactions among its different actors and the support services, which are counted on in each 
link of the chain. Then bottlenecks were identified and analyzed and possible solutions to the 
difficulties were proposed. This process is done with the participative methodologies of analysis 
of cause and effect. · 
8 1 quincal = approxirñately 50 kg. 
66 
-The last step in the elaboratíon of the PPI is the negotiation among the actors of the chain and the 
generation of a final concerted plan of action. This phase will focus on the facílitation of this 
process and the final plan generation. 
Results and Discussion 
The coffee PPI is focused on creating two coffee businesses. 
(1) The first business will be dedícated to the production and conventional commercialization of 
coffee, initially through export~rs and in the future through direct exportation, using the 
experience of the Cooperativa Agncola Cafetalera Triniteca Ltda. (CACTRIL) or Division 
de Comercialización de Café (DICOMCAFE) cooperatives. Small- and medíum-scale 
producers and the local intermediaries pf the zone will form this business. 
(2) The second business will be dedicated to the production and commercialization of organic 
coffee. This business wi 11 be formed by a reduced group of producers that are working on 
organically producing coffee. They will be trained in all aspects related to the organic 
production of coffee and the necessary contacts will be made to achieve certification of their 
farms. 
To carry out the coffee PPI we intend to help small producers improve their incomes by 
obtaining better prices for their coffee and hen~e improve their standard of living. Table 13 
details activities to be canied out in the short-, medium-. and long-term to carry out the Coffee 
Productive Project. 
Table 13. Design of activities and responsibil ities in the Coffee Productive Project {for acronyms and 
abbreviat ions used see page 131). 
Business development 
Prioritized actionllink Persons responsible Time span 
Production: 
- Search for resources, contact credit organizations - Producers short term 
(formal and/or alternatives) 
-
Credit organizations SERTEDESO 
-
Training and technical assistance in conventional - Committee 
coffee crop management - BANADESA 
- Training and technical assistance in organic coffee - RAOS 
crop management -
Postharvest management: 
- Training and technical assistance in crop - Producers medium term 
management - SERTEDESO 
- Commercialization committee 
- Lacks fermentation troughs, drying patios -7 obtain -
financing to build them - PRONADERS 
- Seeds of Hope Project 
Processing: 
* Beneficiary - PRONADERS medium term 
- Training in management of ecological benefit - SERTEDESO 
- Constructíon of ecological benefits - Trip to Marcala 
Continued. 
67 
Table 13. (Continued.) 
Business development 
Prioritized actionllink Persons responsible Time span 
Marketing: 
- Establish contracts with exporters - Producers medium term 
- Establish contracts with transporters - EEC 
- Establish contracts with buyers of organic coffee - Market information center, other 
- Use market information system. Request support of sources of information 
CACTRIL and RAOS - CACTRlL 
- Seek tinancing for support of commercialization. - Transporters 
- RAOS 
Managerial organization 
- Producer leaders (including local intermediaries) - Producers short term 
are organized in a coffee commercialization group - I ntermedi aries 
and seek support of other producers - Commercialization committee 
- Prpducers of organic coffee are grouped in a - RAOS 
business to produce and market organic coffee 
Research 
Production: 
-
Few resources. lack of knowledge on crop - Coffee SOL ( medium term 
management (including soil improvement) 
:-7research on organic compost (component~, costs 
per mz) 
Postharvest management 
-
- Lack of knowledge on postharvest management of - Coffee SOL medium term 
crop 7research -
Processing 
. 
Lack of knowledge on ecological benetit -7 Coffee SOL - long term 
-
research 
Marketing 
-
Other forms of commercialization are not known-7 - Market information center long term 
Study of organic coffee market 
- Revise database of alternative 
commerce 
Managerial organization 
- Organization of leader producers together with - Commercialization committee medium term 
local intermediaries 
- Producers 
- Intermediaríes 
With the implementation of this maize PPI we intend to reach two objectives: 
(1) Improve the incGmes of maize producers in the Sulaco valley and hence improve their living 
conditions. 
(2) Support food security of the zone by retaining grain production in the zone and selling it 
during the period of shortage at Iower prices. 
Table 14 gives more details of activities to carry out the Maize Productive Project in the short-, 
medium- and long-term. 
68 
-
Table 14. Design of activilies and responsibilities in the Maize Productive Project (for acronyms and 
abbreviations used see page 131 ). 
Business development 
Prioritized actionllink Persons res_ponsible Time span 
Production: 
- Obtain resources for production, comact credi t - Producers short term 
organizations (formal and/or alterna ti ves)! - Credit organizations 
- Technical assistance in ·crop management - DICT NManagement division 
- Establish production contracts with DEMAHSA, - Commiuee 
Du West, and DICTA - BANADESA 
- DEMAHSA 
- Du West 
Postharvest management: 
- Training and technical assistance in management of - Producers medium term 
stored grain - INFOP 
- Construction of silos and cellars for maize storage - Commercialization committee 
- PRONADERS 
Processing: 
- Construction of driers - PRONADERS medium term 
Marketing 
-
Establish purchase comracts- sale of grain with - Producers medium term 
businesses producing maize flour - DEMAHSA or MASECA 
- Establish contracts with transporters 
-
Commercialization committee 
-
Use market information system - EEC 
- Establish a Grain Bank - Markets information center, other 
sources of information 
-
Transporters 
Managerial organization 
- Organize producers in a business that markets its - Producers short term 
products directly with the maize processors and 
-
Commercializatio n co mmittee 
forma Grain Bank at community leve! to improve 
-
DEMAHSA or MASECA 
the incomes of producers and (ood security of the - EEC 
municipality 
- Varieties resistan! to drought 
-
DICTA medium term 
Postharvest management: 
Processing 
Marketing 
- Study of feasibility of grain banks 
-
Commerc ial ization commíttee long term 
-
Feasibility study of commercialization with - COMAL 
processors 
- Study the effect of market information 
-
Collaborators: Cornmittee of Microenterprises and Commercialization of CLODEST; M 
Lundy, M Totobesola (SN-1); Coffee producers of Yorito and Sulaco; local 
and regional interrnediaries and coffee exporters of San Pedro Sula; Committee 
of Microenterprises and Commercialization of CIDES, Sulaco; and maize 
producers of Sulaco 
69 
3.3.3 Consolidate the local support system for small rural agroenterprises in Yorito-
Sulaco 
This is reponed jointly under 3.3.1. 
3.3.4 Establish a monitoring and evaluation system for CLODEST, REDOLYS, and 
Campos Verdes 
Highlight 
./ Lessons leamed and principies of organizational processes were identified for_CLODEST 
and REDOLYS (Honduras) and the Campos Verdes Association (Nicaragua) 
Objective 
• Elaborare an initial conceptual framework on organizational processes based on CIAT's 
experience in the Central America reference sites, to establish lessons leamed and to generate 
principies of work 
For each phase from the methodological Guide for Decision Taking in NRM (Beltrán et al 
1999\ lessons leamed and work principies were identified (Table 15). 
Results 
These experiences from Central Ame[ica (Honduras and Nicaragua) reveal important aspects 
that should be kept in mind to achieve greater impact at the leve! of the local organizational 
processes. Table 15 emphasizes the di verse lessons leamed and the principies of work that are 
related to indicators of organizational_processes and that are the base for developing actions in 
agreement with the demand and needs of the different actors (communities, institutions, and 
local govemments). 
9 Beltrán JA. Tijerino D, Vernooy R. 1999. Developing processes of organization at locallevel for collective 
management of natural resources. Guide no.9 (in Spanish) of the series "Instrumentos metodológicos para la 
toma de decisiones en el manejo de los recursos naturales". CIAT, Cali, Colombia. 147 p. 
70 
Table 15. 
Steps 
Selection of si te 
and reference 
framework 
Identification of 
social acrors and 
partn~rs 
Facilitate new 
organizational 
forros 
Lessons learned and principies of the experiences of organizational processes in Central America. 
Lessons learned Principies 
1 
Reference si te selection should obey criteria of local demands, 
acceptance of the community, and impact potential. 
Early participation of local partners and other projects generares 
confidence, greater levels of belonging, and commitment. 
The Participative Planning by Objectives'(PPO) should permit 
real identification of local needs and solutions (without technical 
bias). 
lt should starl from a baseline on natural, economic, financia!, 
human, and social capitals that permit us to measure impact. 
Sorne methodological instruments need to be used that facilitate 
the identification of interest groups. 
First the actors, their interests, and their inter-relationships should -
be identified. 
Partners with common objectives should be sought to establish 
commitments in the medium term and ro guarantee greater 
continuity and sustainability of the process. 
The municipal authorities should play an important role in the 
local process of development. 
It is important to begin collaboration at the personal leve! and 
with commitment in order to later seek institutionalization. 
New organlzational forms should be based on community demand -
and needs. 
The organization is not the purpose, but the sustainability of the 
process and the empowerment of rhe actors. 
Organizational forms should not be imposed, but rarher based on 
those already existing. 
High institutional presence of temporary form generaLes weak 
local organizations. 
ldentification of the demands and so lution alternatives should be with 
the participation of most of rhe groups of interest. 
In each area decisions should be harmonized. 
The organizational processes must be nexible to be adapted ro the 
cha-nging needs or opportunities. 
The involvement of different groups of interest assures equal 
opportunities in the organizing process (equity). 
Collaboration should be established with partners thar have similar 
interests and definite commitments in order to generate synergy 
(coordination). · 
The capacity and confidence shown by an institution thar facilitates 
the local processes increases summoning power. 
The voluntary nature of self-organiiation, the sense of belonging, and 
local culture should be respected (equity). 
Organizations that obey community needs assure the sustainability 
Qf the process and empowermenr of the actors. 
Continued. 
Table 15. (Continued.) 
1 Steps Lessons learned 
Strengthening 
existing local 
organizations 
Promote networks 
or associations of 
local community 
groups 
1 nteri nstitutional 
coordination 
Generation of links -
between local, 
regional, nalional , 
and internationál 
le veis. 
The strengthening process is not short term; time and resources 
need to be invested. 
Tangible results of short and medium term sho uld be sought 
parallel to the long-term organizing processes. 
The continuous formation of leaders increases the strengthening 
of the local organizations. 
Connections and relationships between the local organizations, 
their structures, and procedures should be analyzed and taken into 
account in the decision taking of rhe grass-roots organizations. 
The needs of each local organizat ion that forms the network must 
be identified in arder to improve support to the same. 
Do not attempt to link all the community organizations to the 
organizing processes from the start. 
Goals or concrete activities are required and should be held in 
common to achieve an effective coordination. 
lnterinstitutional coordination through consortia accelerates the 
preservarían and conservation of natural resources. · 
Coordination at the leve) of technicians is an effective way to 
improve coordination at interinstitutionallevel. 
The creation of documentation centers and/or telecenters 
improves the levels of coordination. 
By allying with the processes of decentralization of the countries, 
greater sustainability is obtained and impact in development. 
Technical demands at locallevel cannot be satisfied only at .that 
leve), therefore links to other levels must be found . 
Links to different le veis promete the strengthening of the 
community organizations. 
The need for resources to cover demands lowers the capacity of 
local organizations, which limits the development of self-
management. 
Principies 
Effective leadership should be consolidated within the organization. 
Spaces for reflection for decision taking should be guaranteed. 
Paternalistic and over-supportive practices should be avoided. 
The number of conflicts resolved by an organization reflects its 
strength. 
The networks improve communication and exchange among the 
organizations, and ha ve access to relevant information. 
Impact is generated with less resources and of high quality 
( efficiency) 
The networks require their own space for analysis and discussion. 
All members participate in the planning, execution, and evaluat ion 
(participation). 
Decisions are taken on planning, execution, and evaluation with all 
those involved (harmony). 
The institutions work harmon iously in the area of their mandate 
avoiding duplicity and generating synergy (coordination). 
The duplication of efforts is diminished, greater impact is generated , 
and the efficiency of econom ic and human resources is improved. 
The coordination meetings should lead to opportune decision taking 
and real commitments. 
Co-management of resources should be established that assures 
sustainability . 
The feeling of ownership of what they do permits the quick search 
for solutions (empowerment). 
Rendering of accounts to the community is promoted 
(transparency). 
To increase the possibilities of success in the organizational processes at local leve!, the 
following lessons should be reflected upon, originating from these experiences in Central 
Ameri.ca and subject to the dynamics in the processes. 
(l) Site selection should obey local criteria of demand, acceptance of the community, and 
potential of impact. It should be based on natural, economic, financia!, human, and social 
capit~ls, which perrnit us to measure impact. 
(2) Identify the key actors, their capacities, and interests. 
(3) According to demand, stimulate an autonomous process of organization in the community. 
(4) Strengthen the local organizatjons for collective action, which assures the conservation or 
improvement of natural resources. 
(5) Activities with the objective of involving local organizations should contain principies of 
participation and of decentralization. The process should be seen as something that h_as the 
probability of changing and that should change o ver time, as local priorities change and 
institutions mature. 
Contributors: JA Beltrán, L Brizuela, D Tijerino 
Collaborators: V Gotrett (Institute for Social Studies [ISS], Neths), D Holland (PE-3 
consultant), O Westermann, M Lundy (SN-1), CA Quirós (IPRA) 
3.3.5 Development of participatory research methods for forage-based technologies for 
smallholders 
Highlight 
/ A research propasa) was forrnulated, focused on developing participatory research methods 
for forage-based technologies in the Central-American hillsides 
Most of the research acti vities take place at the CIAT reference site in Honduras. Expected 
outputs include a manual on participatory methods for forage-based technologies, scientific 
publications, anda PhD thesis ·(Hohenheim University). 
The main elements are: 
Systematizing of farrners' perception on their own land use arid the influence of new 
technologies. 
Development and adaptation of participatory approaches for the identification, testing, and 
evaluating of forage-bas~d technologies in complex systems. 
Results and Discussion 
To date, a detailed research propasa! has been elaborated anda first analysis of the farming 
systems in the research area carried out. Conclusions are as yet preliminary. 
From about 40 interviews conducted with farrners in different zones (especially related to 
altitude), it appears that altitude is a major deterrnining factor for farrner categories. This 
characteristic and access to resources are strongly correlated. Farrners in the Jower lying areas ( < 
73 
500 m) have about 15 ha of arable land, whereas farmers in the medium zone (500-1000 m) have 
access to 5 ha, and those in the higher zone (> 1000 m) to 3 ha. Maize is the main crop at lower 
altitudes; beans are mostly grown at the medium and higher altitudes, wt-1ereas coffee is mostly 
found at the higher altitudes. Many farmers from the lower regions ha ve bean and coffee fields at 
medium and higher altitudes. Livestock (and more specifically cattle) ownership shows the same 
tendency. Many farmers in the lower areas possess more than 10 head of cattle, whereas in the 
medium altitude zones farmers have five ·animals or less. In the higher areas, almost all farmers 
have no cattle at al!. Other types of livestock, such as pigs and poultry, are found in al! zones. In 
sorne higher situated villages, considerable numbers of sheep and goats are found. 
Most cattle owners have experience with local forages. CIAT and SERTEDESO are carrying out 
research activities to introduce new species. However, up to present, activities have been focused 
mainly on cattle owners who represent only a small part (15%) of all farmers. 
Contributors: R Van der Hoek (University of Hohenheim), M Peters (IP-5), V Hoffmann 
(University ofHohenheim), J Ashby (Director NRM), M Ayarza 
3.4 Support, through incorporating processes of participa ti ve 
investigation, local organizations oriented to agricultura! research 
3.4.1 Synthesize and analyze CIAL experiences in the Nicaragua reference site 
Highlights 
../ Results received from CIALS located in the Calico Riv~r watershed, San Dionisia, Nicaragua 
on qualitative and quantitative research on crops such as beans, maize, and soya 
../ Selection criteria have proved highly significan! in producers' final decisions 
../ Other results available from monitoring and evaluation of the strengthening, consolidation, 
and empowering of research groups 
Objective 
• Strengthen the capacity of rural communities to take decisions and seek farming altematives 
and solutions to their problems on the management of natural resources through research 
The work of aCIAL involves motivating the community, electing members of the cornrnittee, -
performing a diagnostic, planning of experiments, establishing trials, evaluating and analyzing 
results, and informing the community of results. 
Results 
Table 16 summariz~s the number of CIALs and the communities to which they belong, and the 
crops evaluated in the different cycles (first and second seasons). To date, 12 CIAL committees 
exist, of which four were formed in 1997, four in 1998, four in 2000, and three in 2001. The 
concentration of trials on basic grains reflects the importance that produc..ers give to these crops, 
74 
bu't the technological presence of options perrnits evaluation of other crops such as rice and soya, 
especially by the women's groups. 
Table 16. Crops evaluated in different cycles (A tirst season. B second season) by Comités de Investigación 
Agrícola Local (CIALS). 1997-2001. 
Community l997A l997B l998A l998B 1999A l999B 2000A 20008 2001 
(CIAL name) 
Wibuse Maize Beans Maize, Beans Beans Rice Rice 
(Wibuse) beans 
Jicaro l Maize Maize Beans Beans Beans Beans, 
(San José) maize 
Jícaro 1 Garden Soya Soya Soya Soya Rice 
(Women) produce 
Piedras Largas Beans Maize Beans Beans Beans Maize 
(Prod. Unidos) 
El Zapote Beans Beans Beans Beans, Beans Maize, 
(El Progreso) maize, beans 
rice 
t 
Quebrachal Beans Beans Beans, 
(Quebrachal) maize 
Jicaro 2 Maize Beans Maize Beans Rice, 
(19 de Abril) soya 
Las Mesas Maize Beans Maize Beans Beans Beans 
(Experimenters) 
La Cuchilla Beans Beans Beans 
La Suana Beans Beans, Beans 
(Las Nubes) fallow 
control 
Zarzal Soya Maize 
El Chile Soya 
(Women) 
El Carrizal Maize, 
beans 
El Zapote Soya 
(Women) 
A women's CIAL perforrned trials with soya and the most important result was learniñg the 
preparation of a diversity of subproducts intended to improve the diet. At present, this group has 
trained about 40 women of other communities, which led to the forming of two new CIALs in 
2000. It must be mentioned that exchange between the SOL and the ClALs has allowed the latter 
to identify new technological altematives as in the case of rice, besides the identification of new 
germplasm in basic grains. This quantitative information is available in the database of the 
Participative Research Project, and is linked to the results of countries such as Honduras, 
Colombia, and Bolivia among others. 
75 
In arder to strengthen CIALs at local leve!, an evaluation was carried out of eight CIALs with 
results that gave their positive and negative aspects. Positive aspects included, for example, 
motivation of working in research and knowledge of new seed varieties of bean, maize, rice, 
sweet patato, pastures, and others . Negative aspects included, for example, not complying with 
sorne promises (meeting other national CIALs), and lack of responsibility on the part of sorne 
CIAL members. 
Contributors: N Espinoza, T Reyes 
Collaborators: JA Beltrán, CA Quiroz (IPRA) 
3.5 Promote and support interinstit_utional processes and plans for 
sustainable rural development 
3.5.1 Document organizational proc~sses in the reference sites 
Objective 
• Systematize the experiences acquired in strengthening CLODEST, to obtain lessons learned 
and generate applicable organizational principies in formation of consortia at 
interinstitutionallevel · 
To document nctivities we have used reports of the CLODEST Board of Directors and 
Assembly, workshop proceedings, and interna! documents with their respective records . The 
documents were put together by CLODEST personnel with the advice of CIAT personnel, 
chosen for having Ji ved clase to the whole process, guaranteeing in this way their reliability. The 
main documents and their authors are given under results. 
Results 
Documents are available from'the PE-3 internallibrary. Three of the main ones are outlined 
below. 
Informe general sobre la operatividad y participación en CLODEST, 
Maria Audelia Palma, secretary 
This general report on CLODEST activities gives overall results and ínformation over the Jast 3 
years. Figure 21 shows how the CLODEST Assembly is composed. The large number of farmers 
that have attended CLODEST assemblies can be seen from the figure. However, not always the 
same persons have attended, which has made communication difficult between the consortium 
and local organizations. The report analyses the performance of agreements made in assembly 
and by the board of dírectors and the most frequent problems that the committee has faced. 
76 
.. 
1 
Composition of participants in the 
CLODEST Assembly 
•reacher 
•Fanner 
DTechnician 
DStudent 
•Exoert 
Figure 21. Compo_sition (%) of participants in the Comité Local para el Desarrollo 
Sostenible de la Cuenca del río Tascalapa (CLODEST) Assembly, Honduras. 
Experiencias en fmanciamiento de proyectos productivos. 
Benjamín Perrera. CLODEST technical advisor 
This report details the process of fmancing small production projects on economics or the 
environment. From the CIAT viewpoint, this fmancing has as objective to increase the adoption 
of technologies oriented to decreasing soil degradation and anything relevant to the environment 
To date, 43 projects ha ve been fmanced in seven areas (Table 17). The effect that these may have 
on the adoption of a deterrnined technology or on the improvement of envirorunent conservation 
has not been documented. 
Table 17. Small production projects fmanced by the Comité Local para el Desarrollo 
Sostenible de la Cuenca del río Tascalapa (CLODEST), Honduras. 
Activity or area fmanéeda Number of Actual amount Percentage 
projects fmanced (Lempiras) 
Minor species (poultry and pigs) 14 4700 31 
Basic grains (maize and beans) 12 5280 35 
Coffee nurseries 9 3220 21 
Fruit nurseries 2 290 2 
Garden produce 2 790 5 
Organic fertilizer 2 468 3 
Transformation and storage 2 460 3 
Total 43 15200 100 
ITCA-Holland/Hillsides contribution 33 11156 73 
CIA T-Hillsides contribution 10 4050 27 
a IICA = Instituto Interamericano de Cooperación para la Agricultura_ 
77 
El centro de documentación en Yorito 
Neptalí Zúñiga, person responsible for the CLODEST Documentation Center. 
This document describes what the CLODEST Documentation Center is, how it functions, and 
what its most relevant results have been. Also, mention is made of the privare services it gives, to 
guarantee its long-term functioning. Among the Documentation Center's greatest achievements 
were: 
Training gíven ro technicians, teachers, and students in the area of computing, 
Secretaria! and information support to the different CLODEST commissions, 
A mini-library formed with technical literature of agriculture and natural resources and 
documents published by partners of the Center, available to inhabitants of Yorito, and 
The forming of a database at municipal leve! 
The building of database to municipal leve! was not initiated because of lack of computers with 
sufficient memory that permit the digital handling of the information. 
Contributors: L Brizuela, JA Beltrán 
3.5.2 Establish a joint interinstitutional plan for the San Dionisia Municipality 
Objective 
• Systematize the experiences of the process of interinstitutional coordination with local 
organizations through the Municípality, making use of decentralízatíon mechanisms 
To document activities we have supported the production of minutes of interinstítutional 
meetings that perrnit us to identify participation and resul,ts obtained and the commitments 
acquired. 
Results 
As part of the organizational processes to locallevel, interinstitutional coordination in San 
Dionisia is in the inítiating stage. During previous years, efforts were dedicated to strengtheníng 
and self-management at local organinlion leve!. The main results of the interinstitutional work 
were: 
Elaboration of a baseline for the region, 
Elaboration of ajoint ínterinstitutíonal plan that covers activities in organization, training, 
research, NRM, commercialization and transformation, and infrastructure, 
Database of beneficíaries and credit defaulters, and 
Initiation of a Documentation Center. 
Table 18 gives a brief summary of the content of meetings to date carried out in the development 
of this process. We will soon be initiating a strengthening process for the Municipal 
Development Committee, in which it will exercise leadership with the participation of different 
local actors, organizations. and institutions. 
78 
Table 18. Activities of the interinstitutional process. San Dionisia, Matagalpa, Nicaragua". 
Date of Objective Agreements 
meeting 
31-08- - Reflection on the - Compilation of 
2000 importance of information of the zone 
i nteri nsti tut ional - Presentation of 
coordination and the role of institutional work plans 
the Municipality - Elaboration of an integral 
- Definition of future actions work plan 
27-02- - Revise joint plan of - Circulate the joint plan of 
2001 activities activities 
- Deliver inform;Hion ter 
the base! i ne of the 
Municipality 
23-03- - Present the draft document - Finalize the integral plan 
2001 on the information of the - Establish a meeting with 
region the Mayor's Office 
- Presentation by institution 
of the 2001 activities. 
2-05- - Establish agenda for - Consult date agreed with 
2001 meeting with the Mayor's the Mayor's Office for 
Office meeti·ng 
14-06- - Inform the Municipality of - Convoke an extensive 
2001 the problems identified in meeting on the part of the 
the participative workshops Mayor's Office wíth the 
- Presentation of the joint participation of GOs, 
Interinstitutional Plan NGOs. and local 
- Future Actions organizatíons 
26-07- -Revise the functíons of the - Provisional Coordinating 
2001 CDM Committee appointed 
- Reactivare the new 
Committee 
- Plan of development and 
investment in the 
municipality 
- Joint Interinstitutional Plan 
a. For acronyms and abbreviations used, see page 131. 
Contributors: JA Beltrán, J Bosco (consultant) 
Collaborators: INT A, ADDAC, PCaC, PRODESSA 
79 
Participants 
Present 
INT A, ADDAC, 
CARITAS. CIAT, 
PRODESSA 
INTA,ADDAC, CIAT, 
PRODESSA 
INTA, ADDAC, CIAT, 
PRODESSA, PCaC, 
Mayor's Office 
: 
INTA. ADDAC, CIAT, 
PRODESSA, PCaC 
INTA, ADDAC, CIAT, 
PRODESSA. PCaC 
INT A, ADDAC, CIAT, 
PRODESSA, PCaC, 
UCOSD, Sueños Reales. · 
Campos Verdes, C. 
Malinche, C. Progreso, 
Judiciary, Town 
Councilor, Police, 
Evangelic Church 
No. invited 
8 
9 
9 
8 
8 
20 
3.5.3 Establish indicators of progress for organizational processes 
Highlight 
./ Indicators of progress for organizational processes were developed for CLODEST in 
Honduras and Campos Verdes in Nicaragua as support tools for decision taking for local 
strengthening 
Objective · 
• Facilitare consortia and associations of local organizations to use these tools for monitoring, 
follow up, and evaluation of their managem_ent, besides pennitting them to evaluare 
sustainability and predict tendencies of the same, that is, to know that they are achieving the 
desired results. This systematization of infonnation helps communities to improve decision 
taking with regard to their resources. 
To establish the indicators we too k as a base the reports in the methodological guide of Beltrán et 
al 199910• The training workshops for the methodological instruments for "Infonned Decísion 
Making for Sustainable Natural Resource Management" have served to validate and adjust the 
indicators for organizational processes. Workshops with the local organizations Campos Verdes 
Association of Nicaragua and the interinstitutional consortium CLODEST ha ve perrnitted us to 
carry out the definitions and their corresponding indicators. 
Results 
The establishment and order of this series of indicators, validated at the leve! of the local 
organizations, makes it possible for these to carry out monitoring before their activities. As result 
of their own analysis they can also evaluate their organizational processes more precise] y. These 
indicators also pennit us to systematize the information and help the communities improve 
decision taking with regard to their resources. The indicators were classified in four themes 
(Table l9). 
This work on indicators with local organizations and consortia is a start to constructing a 
methodology of the causal routes of impact and indicators of activities. The development of this 
methodology for the construction of monitoring and evaluation systems, as well as its indicators, 
is an activity that itself is developing during 2001. The ideas for the methodology are inspired by 
the work of Kirsten Probst. 
10 Beltrán JA, Tijerino D, Vernooy R. 1999. Developing processes of organization at locallevel for collective 
management of natural resources. Guide no.9 (in Spanish) of the series "Instrumentos metodológicos para la 
toma de decisiones en el manejo de los recursos naturales". CIAT, Cali , Colombia. 147 p. 
80 
Tablel9. Themes, descriptor, definition, and índicators of organizational processes. 
Theme Descriptor Definition Indicator 
lnstítutional Representatíon All groups of interest are represented and No. of organizations represented 
they participate in decision taking. vs. no. of relevan! organizations 
Real presence Persons are present at the time and in the Attendance of representa ti ves at 
space that is required of them. events vs. no. of events 
Commitment Members of the organization assume the No. of completed commitments vs. 
responsibilities to which they commit agreed commitments 
themselves or that are assigned them. 
The Summoning The prestige of the organization makes No. of participants in events vs. 
organization power partners, users, and beneficiaríes respond to no. of participants invited 
its call. 
Image The organization has presence in the social No. of externa! events attended vs. 
dimension of the communíty. no. of invitations formulated 
Principies Participation Members of the organization parti~ipate in Degree of involvement of the 
all the phases. members of the organization in 
roles of planning, execution, and 
evaluation of activities 
Equity Members enjoy equal opportunities of Degree o f satisfaction'of the 
access to the resources and of management different groups of interest 
of the organization. 
Efficiency The organization generates desired impact Activities carried out vs. activities 
with the leas! resources without sacrificing planned a~cording to timetable and 
quality. budget 
Efficacy The organization produces results with the Cost benefit by activity 
quality expected inside required time limits. 
Coordination The organízation works harmoniously with No. of projects, activitíes. and 
other organizations of the area of its products jointly executed 
mandate avoiding duplicity and generating 
synergy. 
Institutional The organization continues functioning Quantity of resources obtained for 
sustainability when externa! support is withdrawn. the operation of the organization 
Processes Externa! The relevan! externa! context knows the No. of informative events carried 
disclosure achievements of the organization. out and diffused 
Opportune The operative decisions. administrative and Problems identified vs. decisions 
decision taking tinancial. facilitate achievement of goats. taken in time scale 
Contributors: JA Beltrán, L Brizuela, D Tijerino 
Collaborators: Asociación Campos Verdes, CIALs, CLODEST 
81 
Output 4: Decision makers supported 
4.1 Identify, at different le veis, decision makers related with project tasks 
and diagnose their needs 
4.1.1 Participate in workshops and events organized by the project and other projects 
Highlight 
./ Inventory ofproject partners' demands ídentified at local, national, and regionallevels, and 
strategies of contribution implemented 
Objective 
• Define actívities of research and training in the management of natural resources according 
to local, national, and regional needs 
An important function of the coordinators at country and reference site Ievels is that of 
promoting events and participating in workshops to identífy demands of research, training, and 
development that the project can contribu~e towards resolvíng. Demands at local level were 
identífied through planning workshops and presentation of SOL results. At national and regional 
levels we have participated in forums and meetings organized by national institutions and 
development projects . The work was complemented with visits to donors in each country to 
discuss prioritíes and demands. 
Table 20 shows institutional demands at different levels. Demands for training in the tools 
generated by the project are emphasized and the technological accompaniment of GIS, seed 
management, watershed management, commercialization, and organizational strengthening. 
Table 20. Research and traín_ing demands of the project partners at varíous le veis of actíon". 
Leve! of actíon 
Local Honduras 
Nicaragua 
Nacional Honduras 
Nicaragua 
Regional 
Instítutions 
SERTEDESO, PDA, CLODEST, 
IPCA 
Campos Verdes PRODESSA 
Secretaría de Agricultura. 
PRONADERS -
Red Cross. FAO, GTZ, USAID, 
ACDI 
N ORAD 
DAN IDA 
SDC 
CATIE 
a. For acronyms and abbreviations used, see page 13 1. 
82 
Demand 
Improved seed, traíning, systematization of 
information 
GIS, watershed management, technological 
innovations, seed management, organizational 
strengthening 
Watershed management, commercialization 
Management of natural resources 
Artisanal production of seed 
Pasture germplasm 
Indicators of pasture degradation 
In the area of training, we elaborated specific agreements with institutions, and projects to train 
technicians in the use of tools, such as the Local lndicators of Soil Quality, Participative 
Mapping, and ldentification of Market Options. In the area of improved seeds, a policy of seed 
multiplication and distribution was established from the options generated by the SOL. Technical 
aid in artisanal production of seed and postharvest management was established directly by a 
technician of the project. The Support in GIS is concentrated on strengthening of the group 
formed by the Proyecto Centroamericano de Información Geográfica (PROClO). 
A greater compatibility exists among project activities and the demands perceived by producers 
and institutions that work in the area of agriculture and NRM. However, the low availability of 
resources limits project capacity to attend these demands in a much more effective fonn. 
Contributors: V Zapata, M Trejo, D Tijerino 
4.1.2 Identify the needs of training, research, and evaluation of impact of the partner 
organizations 
A single study to identify the needs of institutional capacity development was conducted in 
Honduras as part of the IDB Priority Watersheds Program. This 30-page study forms part of the 
official documents prepared for the govemment of Honduras entitled of "Síntesis de Estrategias 
por Módulo". In the study, the needs of five government organizations (SERNA, PRONADERS, 
AHMON, AFE/COHDEFOR, and COPECO) were described along with objectives to be 
pursued by each of the ProgTam modules and strategies that could be applied. 
Needs that were identified included the strengthening of institutional capacities to apply 
participatory processes and tools; the use of planning, monitoring, and evaluation strategies in 
multiple stakeholder scenarios; and decision-mak.ing abilities and sk.ills at different levels and for 
different groups. Other areas of concem were: 
Strengthening of institutional capacity to conduct participatory diagnosis of decision-mak.ing 
capabilities of different stakeholder groups, 
Ability to establish training and technical assistance needs at the local level , 
Preparation of local atlases with information on weather, soils, and forests, 
Ability to provide support to local organizations for the sound management of natural 
resources, and 
Need to develop negotiation and consensus building abilities and sk.ills . 
Severa] institutions identified the need to develop their capacity to formulate policies for 
integrated NRM and contlict resolution skills with particularr reference to water resources. 
Contributor: V Zapata 
83 
4.2 Support decision Taking at düferent levels using tbe information, and 
methodological tools generated by the project 
4.2.1 Strengthen the local Documentation Center of Yorito .. 
Highlight 
./ A Docurnentation Center was established in Yorito 
Objectives 
• Provide useful information to local stakeholders on topics relevant to the management of 
their natural resources 
• Train local community in the use of computers and information 
• Make DSS available at localleve1 
Materials and Methods 
The Documentation Center opened on 16 February 2001. Six organizations from CLODEST put 
together money or material to open the locale adjacent to the CLODEST office (Figure22). In the 
Documentation Center, people from the community are able to access technical documents about 
agriculture, the envíronment, food processing, woodwork, and administration. The main targets 
are technicians, and students from primary schools and high schools. We hope to reach farmers 
also, either directly or indirectly. So far, six local organizatíons have made contributions of 
US$700 to purchase materials. The municipality offered the locale. The ITCA and CIAT donated 
several old computers. No additional money was needed from partners because the Center is 
generating income thanks to computer training provided by the local technician to potential 
clients. 
Figure 22. Jorge A Beltran and friends out~ide the local Documentatíon Center, Yorito, 
Honduras. 
84 
Results and Discussion 
The Center offered se ven training courses on the use of cornputers and software. 
The digital database of the Atlas of Yorito and Sulaco was rnade available to visitors at the 
Center. 
The centers of CIA T, IPCA, and IICA rnade available rnost of their publications and interna! 
reports. 
Reports of the results of the SOL network of Y arito are available. 
Weekly reports of the rnarket price of rnain cash crops are available. 
The Center provides additional services to students on school activities. 
Cornputer sc~ence is rnostly a self-taught activity. For this reason it is likely that the cornputer 
training activity will be self-sufficient, but will not generate rnuch incorne for CLODEST. Sorne 
other services could be offered within the cornputer center. Individual courses can be given to 
prívate citizens. Many people can train thernselves with software such as leaming English, 
typing, publishing, accounting, or atlas software. Sorne can cornrnission studies oran address list 
for services required. Clients rnay borrow Center documents for a srnall price. 
Severa! organizations were trained, for exarnple the high school and the PDA. The courses are ' 
given at the high school. For the first courses, computers were borrowed from four or five 
organizations. CIA T-Honduras has four cornputers, SERTEDESO three, PDA three, the 
municipality one, the college one, and various other institutions have at least one computer. 
The Center's objective is to inform and train the cornmunity. However, we expect that the main 
clients will be technicians and students and a few farmers . Training techn icians and students in 
cornputer science is expected to help farrners too. Technicians are able to get things done 
quickly, write better reports, draw rnaps, write better proposals, and are likely to improve their 
services to small-scale farrners . To better target farmers , the cornmittee has had severa! ideas; the 
first is to give fanners a special discount for using the Documentation Center. 
We believe that use of the Internet will improve the situation of small-scale fanners in the 
hillsides. The si te could contain inforrnation on SOL technologies, commodity prices, market 
opportunities, E-trade, food processing, and tourism information. The possibility of upscaling the 
experience seems high even in the short term. First, a sinúlar computer service can be offered at 
our other sites (Su!aco and San Dionisia). Then we have to consider writing a Guide, and finding 
a donar to upscale the experience to a larger nurnber of municipalities. 
Contributor: N Zuniga (CLODEST) 
Collaborators: B Barbier (CIRAD), O Mejia, L Brizuela 
85 
4.2.2 Evaluate the impact of using the Atlas of Honduras 
Highlight 
./ The digital Atlas of Honduras hada very positive impact on decision making largely because 
Atlas users were able to obtain information pertinent to their work 
Objectives 
• Document how the influx of digital information distributed on the Atlas of Honduras 
contributed to better decision mak.ing and spurred on digital informatíon use 
• Understand-how to measure the impact of geographic infonnation-in the past, geographic 
information products such as CD-ROMs typically were evaluated by relatively simplistic 
quantitative measures such as "number of CD-ROMs distributed". However, better measures 
are needed to assess the overall significance of geographic information 
Materials and Methods 
The use and impact of the Atlas of Honduras were evaluated with a questionnaire and interviews 
- an empírica! component anda descriptive approach. This combined methodology has been 
recommended for information technology- studies. A first step in both techniques was to obtain a 
user profile. Use is dependent on the leve! of user skill, and thus affects the ímpact. Similar! y, the 
sector of use and the size of the organization have been found relevant factors . Therefore , the 
study took into account the leve! of user skills, the sector in which the user is based, and the size 
of the organization. 
A structured questionnaire was used to evaluare the use of the Atlas and included sections on 
technical aspects to ascertain what improvements could be made to future information products. 
Fifty-two questions were multiple choice type and nine were open-ended. There were also six 
questions at the beginning to characterize the respondent. The questions were divided into the 
following categories: (1) Installation, (2) Training, (3) Tools, (4) Data, (5) Use, (6) Operational 
Impact, (7) Impact on Decision Making, and (8) Evaluation of Data Dissemination by the 
Honduran Government. The multiple-choice questions relied on either yes/no responses ora 
ranking according toa Likert-type, five-point scale. Befare distributing the questionnaires, we 
conducted an in-house pilot test to improve the questions, modify, add, or delete sorne items, and 
to obtain an accurate estímate of the time required for completing the questionnaire. Test-
respon9ents found that 10-15 minutes were sufficient for its completion. 
Using E-mail and fax, 154 questionnaires were distributed, and people asked to respond within 3 
weeks. At the end of this time, only a few people had returned the questionnaire, so we followed 
up with phone calls and extended the period for receipt of questionnaires another 3 weeks. In the 
end, of these 135 successfully distributed questionnaires, 43 were filled out and returned to us 
(24 by E-mail, 15 by fax, and four in person), yielding almost a 32% response rate. 
A subsample of those users Iisted in the database was interviewed to evaluate the impact of the 
Atlas. Twenty individuals offered their perspective on the Atlas and on the use of geographic 
86 
informatíon in decisíon making. Tlús subsample represented a range of users, although most of 
those interviewed were technícians. 
It was understood that those familiar with the technical and data aspects of the Atlas rnight not be 
those who made strategic decisions about project activities and resource allocation, etc. 
However, in general, the technicians were the people that could best comroent on the Atlas and 
that were also available for interviews. These interviews were conducted face-to-face over a 6-
week period. The interviewees responded to open questions such as: 
For what specific purpose did/do you use the Atlas? 
What difference has the Atlas made to your work? 
Can yo u estímate the economic impact of using the Atlas? 
What would you ha ve done instead if you had not had the Atlas? 
The last question strove to ascertaín what the altematives were in the absence of the Atlas. This 
question was asked in order to assess the Atlas's contribution to ameliorating a poor data access 
environment. 
Results and Discussion 
Respondents to the questionnaire belonged to severa! organizational types (Figure 23). Figure 24 
summarizes the sectors in which respondents worked. Seventy-five percent were from either the 
natural resources management or agricultural sectors; other sectors were included in the survey 
to a lesser degree. Seventy percent of respondents considered their knowledge of GIS fair, good, 
or very good, while 30% indicated that their knowledge of GIS was poor or very poor. For many 
of the latter, the Atlas was their frrst exposure to GIS. 
30 
.-. 
e 
~ 25 
i 
"O 
e: 8.20 
(JI 
al 
... 
! 15 
·¡¡¡ 
e: 
5 
~ 10 
al 
::J 
o 
S 
o 
Figure 23. 
Gov~uM'Ien\ NGO Research Acadornic 
Type of organization 
Private Techn~ICooperatJon 
Agoncy 
Types of organizations in wlúch users of the Atlas of Honduras work. 
Use of the Atlas was greater in the capital city of Tegucigalpa where government agencies, 
NGOs, universities, and the prívate sector are concentrated. As with the case of the economic 
87 
sector, national-level institutions show more interest in and awareness of GIS in Honduras. Only 
a few of the municipal representatives that received the Atlas had installed it onto computers and 
used it. In a number of cases, the municipal representatives received a copy of the Atlas in error -
the offices in which they worked lacked computers (and electricity). 
imastruc:tt.re.fac:ilities 
Figure 24. Sectors in which users of the Atlas of Honduras work. 
Responses to the questionnaire indicate that the Atlas had a substantial impact on institutional 
uses of geographic information. Overall, about 98% of respondents said they thought the Atlas 
was a useful tool, and 85% did not think a better compilation of geographic information existed 
in Honduras. Most users said the Atlas had a positive economic impact on their organization and 
saved them time. In general, the Atlas improved the presentation and communication of 
information. Users learned more about NRM, and increased their interest in GIS while 
recognizing a need for more training on how to use the software. Over 75% reported that they 
intended to use GIS more in the future, but less than 25% said the Atlas stimulated them to hire a 
GIS expert, so it seems that people intend to develop their own GIS skills. Over 50% said the 
Atlas stimulated them to make contacts with other organizations. Almost half said the Atlas 
stimulated them to create geographic databases of their own. On an institutionallevel, the Atlas 
appeared to have a multiplier effect. It generated greater interest in GIS and NRM. Respondents 
indicated that the geographic information in the Atlas led to efficiencies in communication and 
presentation of information, and in time and money saved. 
Overall, most respondents considered that digital geographic information is highly useful in 
decision making. Only about 2% of users found geographic information only moderately useful 
With respect to the utility of the Atlas specifically, we found that most users (73%) thought the 
Atlas helped improve decision making, and nearly all (94%) said that it saved them considerable 
time. Also, 70% of users said the Atlas improved the efficiency as well as the quality of thtir 
decisions. About 81% said the Atlas increased their confidence in their analyses. This last impact 
is significant, because one of the greatest values of information is that it remo ves uncertainty. 
88 
Al! interviewees considered the Atlas a useful tool in the decision-making process. Many of 
them mentioned that the Atlas was one of a range of tools they applied in their work, so they 
refrained from saying that the Atlas was a decisive factor in their decisions. They emphasized 
that the Atlas was an integral part of their analyses, yet its impact on decision making was 
indirect. Unanimously, interviewees agreed that the Atlas saved them considerable time. This 
was perhaps its most signifícant impact, and could be translated into economic savings as well. 
lnterviewees agreed that the Atlas is a user-friendly too! , even for those who have no train ing in 
GIS. 
Al! those interviewed expressed their interest and willingness to provide technical support and 
infonnation in the event that an updated version of the Atlas could be produced. In order to 
provide information, f9nna! requests for infonnation to the institutions would be necessary. 
Generally, the interviewees were speaking as individuals rather than for their institutions, but we 
hope that the production of the Atlas has created a more open environment for infonnation 
sharing and that the institutions themselves would freely exchange their data. Institutions now 
are more conscious of the value of infonnation and need to share infonnation, and there is more 
communication between the institutions. 
The Atlas had a very positive impact on decision makíng largely because users were able to 
obtain information pertinent to their work. In many cases , the information in the Atlas indirectly 
supported decision making. Technicians, analysts, and decision makers alike perceived the Atlas 
as a useful tool. Tracking the precise pathway from infonnation use to development impact 
needs to be carried out in future studies, if possible. 
The Atlas could ha ve had a greater effect had there been more publicity about its contents, how 
to obtain a copy, and the possibilities for successful use. Also, regular training sessions, every 
few months for new users, would have further improved .its use and impact. While much of the 
Atlas use was directed ro Mitch relief and response, about half of those interviewed in the survey 
cited uses unrelated to disaster management. Ideally, an updated version of the Atlas should be 
made, funding permitting, taking into account the suggestions from this evaluation and new data. 
Considerable political will and leadership will be required to continue bringing geographic 
information to bear on problems of hazard response, planning, and sustainable development in 
general, and hopefully, the uniting force of Hurricane Mitch for information sharing will endure. 
Contributors: 
Collaborators: 
K Lance (PE-4), M Mendez (SOH Project), V Montes (consultant) 
G Hyman (PE-4), G Giraldo (SOH Project), M Ayarza, G Leclerc, A Nelson 
( consultant) 
4.2.3 Web-based decision support system for radargrammetry 
Highlights 
./ Extensive content and Web-based user-friendly interface 
./ Translation of Canadian Centre for Remete Sensing (CCRS) Stereo Advisor 
./ Publication and demonstration of decision support system (DSS) during the IX Simposio 
Latinoamericano de Especialistas en Percepción Remota 
89 
Results 
This DSS has in mind helping a Latín American user who is looking for infonnation and expert 
advice for selecting Radarsat stereo pairs. It orients step by step the process of orthoimage and 
DEM generation, from fieldwork planning and image interpretation to quality testing, with ample 
information on the principies of remqte sensing, both active and passive. Processing examples 
are given with Pe! orthoengine software. 
Radar imagery is highly useful for applications in the tropics, but the leaming curve is slow. The 
DSS will help our partners with this all-weather imaging technology, for orthoimagery, DEM, 
and cartography generation. It can complement or even replace expensive training provided the 
user has Web access . 
Contributor: G Leclerc 
Collaborators: S Bolaños, e Perea, J Puig (PE-4); e Goodfellow, T Toutin (eeRS) 
4.2.4 User-friendly Web interface to unit-level census data 
Highlights 
../ Unit-level census data from two Honduras censuses loaded into open-source RDBM MySQL 
../ SQL queries to compute univariate statistics and compound indicators 
../ Web-based, user-friendly interface in PHP4 
Results 
For the MySQL database, the entire 1988 Population eensus (4,255,105 records, and 49 fields), 
Housing eensus (891 ,298 records and 42 fields, plus nine fields related to localization), and 
1993 Agriculture eensus (317,187 records and 161 fields, plus 14 variabl~s. on the farmer and 
localization) for Honduras were used. They were loaded in open-source RDBM MySQL. Two 
tables on population and 13 tables on agriculture occupy 790MB. Tables are indexed through 
household or farm identification to speed up queries from linked tables. 
Through a micro project from the Ecole Nationale du Génie Rural des Eaux et des Forets 
(ENGREF) Mastere SILAT (Systemes d'Infonnation Localisée pour I'Aménagement du 
Territoire), a Web interface was designed to allow processing of unit-level data by a non-expert 
user. Functionalities include: summary statistics (mean, standard deviation , min, max) that can 
be computed for any of the census variables; headcount indicators (% of variable X with respect 
to variable Y); composite indicators (weighted linear combination of severa! variables); user-
defined SQL query; help/tutorial; and metadata. To ensure secure information, aggregation levels 
range from caserío, village, municipality, and department; results are downloadable. 
Students from the Mastere SILA T ha ve been exposed to the problematic of a developing country 
such as Honduras. Because of the success of this project, we are invited to repeat the experience 
in 2002. 
90 
This interface was designed to demonstrate to our partners the feasibility of a low-cost, secure 
system to allow processing of highly disaggregated data by a non-expert. Census databases 
contain much more information than is published, and raw info rmation can be managed and 
aggregated at severa! administrative levels, i.e., tailor made to suit ones' needs. For example, the 
interface would make it easy for Fondo Hondureño de Inversion Social (FHIS) to target their 
infrastructure investments by computing a village-level distribution of housing types based on a 
user-defined, housing-quality index from roof, floor, and wall type. 
The combínation MySQL-PHP4 is powerful, easy to implement, anda free altematíve to Oracle 
version 8i for building, accessing, and processing very large databases. We are now in a position 
to help partners with a low-cost and proveo open-source technology, and to demonstrate the 
concept of democratic access to data an~ the feasibility of customized queries. 
Contributor: G Leclerc 
Collaborators: N Bleuse (SILAT), S Vallejo, A Nelson (consultant) 
4.2.5 Poverty targeting with local indicators 
HighHghts 
~ Poverty indicators based on local perceptions were computed for Honduras from unit-level 
census data and ~.ompared with ground tr.uth . . _ . . 
~ Paper submitted to Environment and Planning Joumal 
Results 
We computed a new (improved) set of well-being índices with SQL queries toan MySQL 
database of Honduras tinit-level censuses. We re-examined the well-being extrapolation that was 
done with neural nets, to find that the algorithm classified villages in terms of the training set 
instead of producing a true extrapolation. This may be misleading for villages not in the training 
set, particular] y for those where well being falls outside the range covered by the set. We opted 
for a simpler averaging that gives satisfactory results, based on comparison with interviews done 
randomly withíri 12 communities in 1999 (Ravnborg 199911 ). We examined the possibility of 
determining the extrapolation domain for derived indicators, that is, finding villages outside the 
sample for which computed indicators are valid. At first sight this implies assumptions for 
classifying households and farms that are too arbitrary to be relevant for certain areas (such as 
the coastal or indigenous villages). The best approach would consist of enlarging the sample of 
villages and detennining additional indicators that could then be obtained from the census for a 
true nationwide extrapolation 
To wíden the audience for a publication on the work, we extended the scope of the study (beyond 
that of methodological development) by exploring how the exísting pro-poor policies are likely 
to be perceived by the poor in Honduras. We identified areas where policíes are líkely tobe 
adequate, as well as areas with significant leakage (policy benefits to the wrong people), and 
11 Ravnborg HM. 1999. Developing regional poverty pro files based on local perceptions. CIAT, Cali, Colombia. 
91 
areas with undercoverage (policy not reaching the poor). We did an extensive literature review 
and the necessary quality checks for a peer-reviewed paper. The paper was submitted to the 
Environment·and Planning Joumal, chosen because it combines a high citation index with 
relevant content and scope. 
This work represents a significant step towards harrnonizi ng perceptions of poverty from the 
"top" (i.e., World Bank) and "bottom" (local) by providing a methodology for extrapolating 
locally derived indicators up to country leve!. New censuses will cover all American countries 
during 2000-2005, and can be used to produce updated poverty profi les. The paper produced is 
being translated into Spanish to explore the possibility of introducing this approach to improve 
targeting and policies of poor Latín American countries. The PROCES concept note aims at 
providing an environment to enable CIAT (and IRD our partner) to effectively contribute to 
improving in-country capacity to take advantage of these methodologies. 
Contributor: G Leclerc 
4.3 Strengthen capacity for management and use of information, tools, and 
methods (train, diffuse, and follow up the process) 
4.3.1 Organize a workshop on result.S of the SOL in the reference sites 
A workshop was held in Honduras from 29th to 30th of April 2001 to diffuse results of the SOL. 
_About 40 representati ves of institutions know research results (see Table 27, page 103). 
-
4.3.2 Develop research by youth groups in food security and natural resource 
management u,sing participatory methodologies and simulation models 
Highlight 
../ Workplan designed for implementation of the project 
Objective 
• Contribute to the early involvement of rural youth in research leading to the discovery and/or 
adaptation of practices for better food availability and NRM 
The area for this project is the Tascalapa River watershed in Honduras. The Instituto San Pedro 
is the local schoollocated in Yorito where most of the research partners work. With this project 
the CIA T Community Management of Watershed Resources team expects to: 
• Find out if the adoption pattem for research results can be improved through participatory 
adaptive research with youngsters; 
• Develop in youngsters a sense of responsibility and ownership of their future; and 
• Make them part of the development process taking place in their communities. 
Planning by--Qbjectives was the methodology used to design the working plan. 
92 
The initial meeting on 20 June 2001 took place at the Instituto San Pedro where all research 
partners and collaborators contributed to the identificatíon of the target population. A committee 
was set up responsible for the implementation and responsibilities were assigned to al! 
participants. The implementation committee designed a work.ing plan that will be implemented 
during the first year of the project. 
Contributors: S Humphries (University of Guelph), H Schreier (University of Britísh 
Columbia), L Brizuela, MC Roa 
Co11aborators: · Instituto San Pedro, CLODEST, IPCA 
4.3.3 lnclude Guides in postgraduate course . 
The Facultad de Recursos Naturales y del Ambiente (FARENA) of the UNA is carrying out a 
postgraduate course called "Participative Environmental Management for the Integral 
Management of Hydrographical Watersheds". The course is being given to agencies that are co-
executors of the Programa Socioambiental Forestal (POSAF) that wi ll be carried out from 22 
September 200 l . 
Within the postgraduate themes , three of the Methodological Instruments for Decisíon Taking in 
Natural Resource Management at Hydrographícal Watershed Leve! were incorporated: 
(1) Particípative Mapping, Analysis, and Monítoring of Natural Resources in a Watershed 
(Guide 3), 
(2) Methodology for Analyzing Groups of Interest for Co!lective Management of Natural 
Resource Management in Watersheds (Guide 4), and 
(3) Developing Organizíng Processes at Local Leve! for Collective Management of Natural 
Resources (Guide 9). 
Guides 3 and 4 will be assumed directly by Faculty teachers, and Guide 9 by CIAT personnel. 
For further inforrnation contact E-mail: Farena@sdnnic.org.ni 
4.4 Provide technical support for decision taking 
4.4.1 Support punctual training on the use of decision-making tools at the request of 
institutions associated with the project 
At instítutional request, CIAT's professionals supported all training actívities. Local coordinators 
devoted time to plan for successful training events, accompanied training workshops, and 
conducted evaluations and prepared reports on the training workshops, the trainers' performance, 
and the suitability of training materials. Evaluations were used to introduce changes in the 
delivery of content and in the design of practícal activities. Of great importance was the 
collection of inforrnation regarding recommendations on changes in the structure of the training 
guídes. Reports on two trainers' meetings in Nicaragua present those recommendations, which 
will be highly useful when the opportunity to review them arises. 
93 
The national trainers in Colombia, Nicaragua, and Honduras are conducting training activities 
that respond to institutional initiatives from CIAT's monitoring efforts. Although we have no 
record of these activities, inforrnation presented by UNA in Nicaragua, accounts for nearly 200 
people trained in the use of the DS tools . The Technical Institute of Roldanillo, Valle, Colombia, 
reported the integration of severa! tools to the curricula of severa! academic programs. Trainers 
in Honduras carried out training activities within their own institutions for people in other 
projects (CARE, for example), and rendered their services as trainers in courses in which they 
were called to participare. 
Tables 21 to 24 show the number of people trained, the institutions covered, and the existing 
cadres of trainers in the three reference countries that we can account for at the end of 2001. 
Table 21. Institutions and organizations that received training 2000-0 l. 
Type of institution/ Honduras Nicaragua 
organization 
Governmental 8 4 
Nongovernmental 17 13 
Universities 2 5 
Other organisms 3 1 
Total 30 23 
Colombia 
2 
2 
1 
5 
Table 22. Trainers' teams in reference countries and their institutional affiliation, 1999-2001. 
Institutions·' Country 
Honduras Nicaragua Colombia 
CIAT-Hillsides Project 5 4 4 
CARE 3 
SERNA 2 
CASM 4 
FAO Lempira Sur 3 
ENA 12 
FEPROH 2 
SCD 1 
SAO/DICTA 3 
Thesis student 2 
UCA 5 
PASOLAC 1 
CIEETS 1 
UNA 7 
PROCAFOR 2 
CONAGRA 1 
CEPRODEL 2 
EIAG 1 
UNI 2 
UNAN 6 
CORPOCUENCAS-CALI 
Eco futuro (Bolivar-Valle) 
Universidad Nacional 
Total 37 32 7 
a. For acronyms and abbreviations used, see page 131. 
94 
Table 23. Number ofpeople and institutions that received training 2000-01.• 
Institutions: Honduras lnstitutions: Nicaragua 
COHDEFOR 3 Proyecto Cuencas Matagalpa 1 
CIAT Yorito 1 UNICAFE 3 
World Vision 1 CNIS-UNICAFE 1 
SERNA 2 PCM 4 
Instituto San Pedro 1 UNA 9 
IHCAFE 1 J FADCANIC 1 
CASM 5 PRODESSA 1 
FAO 2 EAGE 4 
Proyecto Guayape 2 PASOLAC 1 
PROLESUR 8 ACRA 1 
CATIE 2 UNAN-Matagalpa 
-
14 
ITC Lempira Sur J UNAN-Managua 7 
PDA San Matias 2 UCA 14 
PDA Trapiche 3 Solidaridad Internacional 2 
PDA Valle 3 DAN IDA 6 
PDA Morazán 3 AMCRE 2 
PDA Reitoca 2 Asoc. Campesina La Unión 1 
PDA Tierra Nueva 2 Pro gr. Parroquial de San Nicolas 2 
PDA Choluteca 3 POLDEC Limay 1 
PDA Siria 3 Alcaldía de Limay 2 
PDA Yoro 3 PESA 2 
PDA Jocón 3 IMC 2 
PDA Progreso 3 COEG 2 
ENA 48 Total 83 
PRODERCO 1 Institutions: Colombia 
CURLA 3 UMATAs 13 
CARE 2 CORPOICA 12 
FEPROH 2 CORPOTRIGO 1 
PAAR 1 UDENAR 1 
Aldea Global 3 Fundación Panamericana 1 
Total 129 Total 28 
a. For acronyms and abbrevia"tions used, see page 131. 
Table 24. Gender distribution of end users and trainers. 
Honduras Nicaragua Colombia Total 
Users M 106 53 21 180 
- F 23 30 7 60 
Trainers M 28 16 6 50 
F 7 15 1 23 -
Contributor: V Zapata 
95 
4.4.2 The Intelligent Team Decision Assistant (ITDEA) version 2 ready for release 
Híghlight 
../ ITDEA version 2, improved version of the innovative strategic planning tool ITDEA, 
completed in Microsoft Access wi~h new focus on strategic planning aid 
Results 
ITDEA version 2, :m improved version of the innovative strategic planning too!, was completed 
in Microsoft Access. It now includes a help system, a dictionary to allow translation of each 
element of the forms between a chosen start language towards a n_ew one, the possibility of 
adding free-fonn notes to each template with a date/time tag, severa! forrnatted reports, and links 
that start html fonns to allow expansion by the user with no programming required. Suggested 
uses of these html forms include Internet links, indicators, manuals, guides, GIS viewer, etc. 
ITDEA is designed to be compatible with the Herramienta de Planificación Participativa (HePP) 
planning methodology tested with remote communities in the Colombian Llanos. The HePP and 
ITDEA share the same database and decision objects; HePP can be used for a rapid strategic 
planning, to be.later refined using ITDEA. The database allows us to implement knowledge 
management and discovery techniques that could eventually be made operational via specialized 
agents. The entire "Plan de Ordenamiento Territorial" of Puerto Lopez, in the Colombian Llanos, 
which is now being expanded by the municipality into a more comprehensive Development Plan, 
has been loaded in ITDEA, and the database will be used for monitoring. The critica! part of the 
methodology, which consists of helping a group of stakeholders define a shared vision of the 
future and therefore identify the strategic issues to address, wíll be addressed in a workshop on 
Envisioning to be or~anizedjointly by CIAT and the University of Georgia in 2002. 
To improve the clarity of the message, the conceptual bases of the too! were reinforced, and our 
focus is now more to~ards a comprehensive, strategic planning aid (analog toan electronic 
organizer), instead of straight DSS as in the past. It aims at replacing the Zielorientierte Projekt 
Plannung (ZOPP, or project planning by objective [PPO]) to help improve project design. The 
methodology is now structured around "organizing to build a common future". It is implemented 
as a collection of linked "decisíon objects" such as Strategic Issues (defined by a shared visíon of 
the future), Goals or desired Future Conditions, Indicators, Forces, and Plan that can be 
assembled ínto user interfaces adapted to the situation (Figure 25). An example ís the 
participatory planning tool HePP, which uses the same objects, but is accessed in a way that is 
more adapted to the situation of a remote community. Demonstrations were organized within 
CIAT in December 2000, Maison de la télédétection in January 2001, CIRAD-Département 
territories, environnement et acteurs (CIRAD-TERA) in February 2001, and Canadian 
Intemational Development Agency (CIDA) and the Integrated Natural Resource Management 
(INRM) workshop in August 2001. About a dozen people from these organizations have showed 
great interest in testing the tool; it is part of a proposal by CIRAD-TERA to the European Union 
(EU) and of training workshops on Territorial Development to take place in France, La Réunion, 
and Brazil. Training is planned for Colombia municipalities in 2002. 
96 
ll'A::;ZlJ:It'IZIIOUU'A'IIO. (:a A l'lll.aJICI:C!n!IU 
IT~ I'DIEDOLmR AJ:m!ZIIDT 
't t ~ ..... "--'--- l'l:::~p~••~'"' 
-,'tS-'..._.., •• t,_:~ 
ITA:!Z.l c.o.u.ro J;KU. m o• 
liS.,...r~,.Oooo,.~ 
11 .......... .,...1 ..... Q C.~IWID 
,l,lS.alo...ilt.-l~ ... ~ .... UHE: 
l4o..lpn•~.,_,-
.l :Sd..l-tl,.. 
IT..U.:AAIIIIII .. :rt llliN, 'lD 1iZ 
ITA:ZS :r&9"Jm'C. AC:nORI.IID 
S 1 F•.a..-._ .... , .. ~ -... 
S1:A--I••w4 ..... 
n.cz~ m~:~•o.~ZWAL v mo • 
.sra.•• .. o..--v-~ 
'1.:.-.-..-o. .. •Aha~q 
lllE......__.tO..-A~ .. -..-
IT~ D:X"'ID 'DE!Dl*ZJOR !Cn10. 
11 st~~ ... - .r"'. 
?1t..m,;-.,..,'- l
ltrJJ.Ielrualld 
._ ___ ol/ · Dl!J.I1ll&e5 
Selected 
plan 
Figure 25. The Intelligent Team Decision Assistant (ITDEA) seven-stage framework (using 
Decision Objects). 
We believe development promises in the rural tropics fa11 short mainly because development 
projects suffer from extremely poor design, a situation that ITDEA can contribute to change. 
However, impact of this tool will be much less than it could be if: 
1) It is not distributed freely and widely, (2) there are no resources for technical support and 
irnprovements, and (3) CIAT does not use itas a replacement to the ZOPP or PPO, which was 
the original demand. 
Meanwhile, testíng by CIAT is planned for sites in Colombia and Nicaragua, and many partner~ 
ha ve shown interest in testing, applying the methodology and tool, or developing it further. 
CIAT intellectual property rights (IPR) policy and software development strategy, however, still 
have to provide clear guidelines on the next steps to take. 
Contributor: G Leclerc 
CoiJaborators: G Narvaez, N Beaulieu, J Jaramillo (PE-4) 
97 
Output 5: Efficient, participatory project management 
5.1 Foster the active participation of partners in the planning of project 
activities in the region 
Highlights 
./ Exchange of research results has begun, and of germplasm exchange wi th partners in the 
reference sites in Honduras and Nicaragua 
./ The SOL Sites Network was implemented at the level of the Tascalapa River watershed in 
Honduras 
Objectives 
• Share with producers and institutions the results of research generated in the SOL si tes 
• Evaluate the degree of advance of activities planned by the SOL Sites Network 
Honduras 
The SOL of the Honduras reference si te c~msti tutes four si tes: two in the upper part of the 
Tascalapa watershed (Mina Honda and Santa Cruz) and two in the lower part (Luquigue and San 
Antonio). The IPCA project and the group of producers "Tres. de Marzo" manage the upper sítes, 
and CIAT manages the others. All si tes have their own work plan· and count on systems of 
monitoring and participatíve evaluation to evaluate the degree of advance of tbeir activities. The 
SOL of the Nicaragua reference site constitutes for the moment only one site (Wibuse). 
However, another SOL si te is being implemented in a drier region within the watershed. 
In each reference site a planníng meeting is held anda meeting for presentation of results with 
the participation of members of the technical committee of the network, prodúcers, and 
technicians of the different ins.titutions. In these meetings lines of work and research protocols 
are defined. In the case of Honduras, the state of activities of the SOL Si tes Network is evaluated 
through a participative system of monitoring. Table 25 shows the list of activities and results 
reported by each member institution of the Network. Details are found published in the 
workshop proceedings. 
A similar workshop was carried out to present results to producer members of the CIALs, 70 
producers of the villages of Yorito and Sulaco participated. A general policy for gennplasm 
distribution was established in which every institu~ion that is actively participating in the SOL 
Si tes Network is able to freely acquire seed for verification trials of varieties. Only the advanced 
lines can be delivered individually. Based on this policy, 14 Comprabación de Variedades 
(COVAS) of bean were distributed in 2000. They were formed from four advanced lines and two 
checks. During 2001, the following COY AS were distributed: 22 soya, se ven sweet potato, eight 
rice, and nine grains and legumes. The-trials were established for the CIALs and institutions 
(partners) that give technical assistance. To have sufficient availability of seed at experiment 
leve! an agreement was established with the PES Asociación de Hombres y Mujeres Progresistas 
de Honduras (AMHUPRO) to multiply seed of maize, soya, rice, and sweet potato. 
98 
Table 25. 
SOL si te' 
Mina Honda 
(IPCA) 
Santa Cruz 
(SERTEDESO) 
Luquigue (CIAT) 
Luquigue (CIAT) 
San Antonio 
(CIAT) 
Activities and results reported by partners in the Supermercado de Opciones para Ladera (SOL) 
Sites Network in Yorito, Honduras. 
Activitiesb 
YIDAC. ECAR. and COY AS bean trials 
Participative improvement of beans 
Evaluation of five cassava materials 
Evaluation of three soya varieties 
Participative improvement of maize 
Results 
Promising materials for the upper part 
of the watershed 
In process 
In process 
Preliminary results 
Participative improvement of maize In process 
Plans for improving1he ecological benefit of coffee Construction of a coffee-related process 
Yalidation of technologies for coffee 
Bean tolerance 10 drought 
VIDAC, ECAR, and COY AS bean trials 
Multiplication of promising bean materials 
Resistance to rice blast 
Rice yields evaluation 
Evaluation of earliness in maize 
Yield of fi ve soya varieties · 
Evaluation of 14 sweet patato varieties 
Multiplication of 35 cassav.a materials 
Evaluation of grain and legume forages 
Selection of new systems rotation components 
Evaluation of short-cycle cover systems 
Limiting nutrients 
Combination of organic and inorganic sources 
Evaluation of fallows 
Li ve barriers 
Evaluatioñ of germplasm under pasture: 
Grains 
Herbaceous and bushy legumes 
Soil conservation 
Materials selected 
Materials multiplied 
Results of evaluation 
Results of evaluation 
Prelimi nary selection 
Selection of three varieties 
In process 
Multiplication of promising forage 
materials 
Strategies evaluation 
Results of trials 
Results of trials 
Results of trials 
Economic evaluation 
Grain associations validation + legumes 
Cover tria! 
a. IPCA =Investigación Participativa para Centro América, and SERTEDESO =Servicios Técnicos para el 
Desarrollo Sostenido. 
b. COY AS= Comprobación de Variedades, ECAR =Ensayo Centroamericano de Apaptacion y Rendimiento, 
and YIDAC =Vivero de Adaptación Centro Americano de grano rojo 
Until now only advanced lines of bean and severa! species of grains have been delivered to the 
organizations and associations of producers. On the average, 50% of the 2001 workplan has been 
developed. This advance is because of the good communications and relations among members 
of Ul{: committee that has permitted excellent coordination of activities. 
99 
After carrying out two evaluations of the participative M&E system, the general plan of 
monitoring was improved and we have general indicators to network leve! and specific indicators 
for each SOL si te. Standardization of indicators at SOL-s-i te leve! w111 follow when and where 
feasible. 
The SOL research model is beginning to show positive results in the integration of activities 
among institutions and the generation of improved options. Severa! of the materials selected in 
the SOL are airead y in the hands of producers. The SOL Si tes Network is being formed 
successfully. Nonetheless, the systematization of results and joint elaboration of proposals must 
be initiated. Also, follow up should be given to germplasm that has been distributed to begin 
measuring their impact. 
Nicaragua 
Table 26 shows the activities discussed with the workshop participants and the activities planned 
by them . .This workshop was highly important to give an opening so that producers and 
institutions could give suggestions on the type of research that should be focused in the SOL. 
Table 26. Results of the Annual Planning Workshop of the Supermercado de Opciones para Ladera (SOL). 
(For acronyms and abbreviations see page 131.) 
Crop/ Theme Preliminary results Planned acti vities 
8 ean The best four varieties of bean were PTC 
9557-98, EAP 9508-41, PRF 9659-258 1, 
and EAP 9510-77. 
Maize 
Rice 
Farmers selected the following varieties: 
EAP 9510-77 , PTC 9557-98, EAP 9509-
29, and PRF 9659-258 l. -
The best varieties in order of importance 
were SC3.P76N, RPMxC17 x D-8043, 
SC3P73N, ACROSS-8243, and NB-8243. 
In the three participative evaluations the 
following varieties were repeated 
(RPMxC17) x D-8043, ACROSS-8243 and 
NB-8243, NB-9043 and SC3P73N. 
Three varieties were selected for their 
better agronomic qualities (IRAT-361, 
IRAT-366 and IRAT-367). 
Evaluate the four promising materials comparing 
them with a local check, DOR 364. 
In the second season, establish a tria! with 32 
materials tolerant to drought in a si te selected based 
on this criterion (zones characterized as dry). 
Test the five best materials in the Wibuse SOL site 
(RPMxC17 x D-8043, ACROSS-8243, NB-8243, 
NB-9043, and SC3P73N), but compare them with 
NB-6. 
Test these varieties in other locali ties of San 
Dionisia. 
Manage seeds of these varieties with INT A (CDT-
Sébaco). 
Participants in this research will be INT A San 
Ramón, PCaC, AINDESC and the CIALs. 
In the Wibuse SOL site, test the varíetíes orígínating 
from CIAT. These will also be established in other 
localíties depending on the seed that arrives. 
INTA, ADDAC, CIAT, and PCaC will coordinate 
the activity. 
Sorghum Research has not been carried out, but there Request white varietíes of grain at INT A or CNIA of 
are community requests to initiate testing Sébaco and Managua. The varieties should ha ve 
white varieties of grain. multiple uses. 
Continued. 
100 
Table 26. (Continued.) 
Crop/ Theme . Preliminary results Planned activities 
Sweet potato 
Soya 
Improved 
fallow 
Limiting 
nutrients 
Multi-purpose 
forages 
Rotation 
systems 
Crop rotation 
Contributors: 
CoiJaborators: 
Only adaptation tests were initiated. 
The cultivars evaluated have a very long 
reproductive cycle that does not permit 
second season sowing. More short-cycle 
materials must be sought, but with the 
same or greater yield potential as those we 
already have. 
At present CIAT is carrying out a tria! in 
SOL to test the adaptability of ti ve specíes 
of improved fallows. It"is very premature to 
speak of preliminary results, but one of the 
species seems to present better 
development (Sesbania sesban). 
The combinations of NPK and NP were the 
best treatments. In their separa te 
application, the P treatment was 40% better 
than the check (without nutrients), while N 
surpassed it by 20%, which indicates that 
the crop responded more to P than N. 
Forage trials are established in the SOL 
with cover plants. multi-purpose trees, 
grains, aQd herbaceous legume. There is 
also a pas.tures tria!. 
Up to present, participative evaluations are 
being carried out 'With farmers in the 
Jocalities of Wibuse. El Corozo, and 
Piedras Largas. We propose to continue 
with this activity in coordination with two 
local associates (INT A, PRODESSA) 
This trial was initiated this year. lt seeks to 
identify more efticient crop systems in 
productivity and impro'lement of the soil. 
This tria! seeks to identify annual crop 
components to establish more efficient 
rotations in the use of the resources. 
Establish a tria] of 17 sweet potato clones in the 
Wibuse SOL si te in coordination with INT A and 
CIP. 
Participating partners will be CIAT, INTA. CIP. 
CIALs, PCaC, and AJNDESC. 
Manage seed of new varieties with the characteristics 
mentioned previously. 
Establish a tri al o f new soya varieties in the Wibuse 
SOL site. 
Partners will be ADDAC, the CIAL.s, and PCaC, 
who will support women producers. 
CIAT will continue the evaluations. 
Repeat the trial in the Wibuse SOL site, and in other 
localities of the municipality taking into account 
altitude and type of soils (high, medium, and low 
parts with different types of soils). 
Interested partners are INTA, CIAT, and voluntary 
farmers of the communities that attended the 
Agricultura] Systems Workshop. 
Due 10 previous commitments with local partners to 
provide follow up to this activity it has been left to 
the participants. CIAT will continue in charge in the 
Wibuse SOL site, PRODESSA with CIAT in Piedras 
Largas, and INTA and CIAT in El Corozo. 
CIAT will establish the trial, inform on advances, 
and give final results when obtained. 
Because of insufficient time to discuss this theme it 
was agreed that the tria! be carried out according to 
the results of the Systems Workshop and that CIAT 
will be responsible . · 
Technical committee of SOL (CIA T, SERTEDESO, IPCA) 
PP Orozco, JA Beltrán, T Reyes; J Bosco (consultant), technicians and 
producers 
101 
5.2 Actively and permanently coordinate the reference sites, projects, and 
individuals working in the region 
5.2.1 Coordinate project activities with other projects in the region 
This is an ongoing activity (see Table 27 for examples). The SOL Technical Committee takes 
into consideration work of other projects (see Table 27 for meetings). 
Ata meeting on the 3rd of August 2001 , information was exchanged with the SDC and we 
gained information on SDC projects to 20 lO. Attendance at the National Forums of Payment for 
Environmental Services have kept us updated on experiences of national agencies and 
institutions. 
A presentation was given at the annual congress with organizations working with participative 
methodologies in October 2000. We shared our experiences of the CIAL methodology. A 
workshop execution agreement was reached with organizations working with INT A. 
5.2.2 Workshops for planning and evaluation of results with partners in SOL 
Table 27 lists in date order the workshops, meetings, and events organized by the project and 
partner projects, first in Honduras and then in Nicaragua. 
102 
Table27. Workshops and events organized by the project and partner projects in Honduras and Nicaragua. (For acronyms and abbreviations used, see page J 3 J.) 
HONDURAS 
Type of evenl Organizers Date Participa ti ng i nslitulions No. of Results 
participants 
-
Course on the Methodological CIAT 2000 CIAT, World Vision, Global 15 15 persons trained in the Identification of Well 
Instruments in ESNACIFOR, Village Being Levels methodology. 
Siguatepeque, Comayagua 
Participative evalualion of the tri al CIAT-Hillsides 31/10/00 CIAT 13 producers Ordering of varieties according to producer 
of early maize, soya, and rice 4 technicians preference and list of selection criteria. 
varietíes 
Participative evaluation CIA T -Forages 28/11/00 Luquigue producers 10 prod ucers 10 interviews carried out and information 
' 1 3 technicians tabulated. 
Meeting ofTechnical Committee CIAT, 29/11/00 CIAT, IPCA,SERTEDESO 6 technicians Monitoring system evaluated and corrected. 
SOLNetwork Hohenheim Uni. 
Panicipative evalualion CIAT-Forages 29/ll/00 Producers from Las Cañas lO producers 10 interviews carried out and information 
3 technicians tabulated. 
Field trip CIAT-Forages 7/12/00 Las Cañas producers 
Tour with professors CIAT -Hillsides 12/l/01 University 2 technicians 
1 
Meeting ofTechnical Committee CIAT 25/1101 6 technicians Table with possible activities to be developed this 
SOLNetwork year. 
Participative evaluation in ECAR CIAT -Hillsides 1/2/01 La Sabana de San Pedro 8 producers Sel~tion criteria to evaluate varieties of sweet 
tria! and multiplication of producers patato 
accessions of sweel potato 
Workshop with local CIAT- Mar, CIAT. SERTEDESO 25 25 producers and intermediaries know and 
intermediaries to finalize coffee Agroenterprises 2001 Commercialization improve the coffee chain 
production chain Committee, coffee producers, 
coffee intermedi"aries 
Course on the Methodological CIAT 3-9/3/01 CIAT, ENA 30 students 30 students of the ENA trained in the 
lnstruments in the ENA, ldentification of Well Beíng Le veis methodology. 
Catacamas, Olancho 
Meeting of Technical Committee CIAT 7/3/01 IPCA, SERTEDESO 1 producer Work plan of SOL Network approved by 
SOL Network 6 technicians Eartners. 
Continued. 
Table 27. HONDURAS (Continued.) 
Type of event Organizers Date Partic ipating institutions No. of Results 
earticieants 
Meeting ofTechnica\ Committee CIAT 13/3/01 IPCA. SERTEDESO 2 producers Workshop of presentation of results jointly 
SOL Network 6 technicians planned. 
Participative evaluation of multi- CIAT-Forages 13/3/01 CIAT-SERTEDESO 11 producers 3 trials evaluated: 
purpose germplasm in Las Cañas 2 technicians Bushy legumes, Grains, Herbaceous legumes. 
Participative evaluation in the SOL CIAT-Forages 23/3/01 CIAT-SERTEDESO 1 O producers Interviews carried o ut and tabulated . 
Project 3 technicians 
Workshop of presentation of CIAT-IPCA - 29- ASOCIAL, Inst- San Juan de 4 producers 40 representati vcs of institutions know the 
research results SERTEDESO 30Í310l Sula, PDA Yoro-Jocon, ESA 36 technicians research results 
Consultants, FUNDER, Ins t. 
Jose A Ochoa 
i 
Course on Identification of Market CIAT- 4/0 1 CIAT, PRODESSA 20 20 persons trained in market opportunities' 
Options Agroenterprises id en ti fication . 
Participative evaluation in Las CIAT-Fo rages 1014101 CIAT, SERTEDESO 1 O producers Informatio n tabulated 
Cañas, Sulaco 4 technicians 
Participative evaluation in SOL CIAT-Forages 20/4/01 6 producer Information tabulated 
project 2 technicians 
Statistical analysis course CIAT-Hillsides 23/4/0 1 FUNDER, ESA Consultants. 15 technici ans 15 technicians trained in the use of SPSS 
IPCA, SERTEDESO 
Workshop on Systems of CIAT -Hillsides 17- SERTEDESO, ASOCIAL, Dir 8 producers Systems of monitoring in CLODEST. 
Monitoring and Evaluation with 18/5/01 ofCLODEST, REDOLYS. --- 11 technicians REDOL YS, and agroenterprises in period of 
local organizations agroenterprises establishment-
Workshop of Presentation of CIAT 23/5/01. CIAT, SERTEDESO, IPCA , 5 producers Research protocols e laborated and d íscussed. 
research activities 2001 Inst. San Juan de Sula, 26 technicians 
CODESA 
Fie ld day CIAT-Forages 26/6/01 
Trainin& in verification of the CIAT 28/6/01 9 producers Producers tra ined in use of rainfall .data to plan 
taking of rainfall data 2 technicians sowing and harvest times. 
Continued. 
Table 27. HONDURAS (Conlinued.} 
Type of event Organizers Date Participating institutions No. of Results 
- --
~artici~ants 
Workshop with local organizations CIAT- Jly, 2001 CLODEST, CIAT. ACELY, 22 Se ven projects prioritized and 22 producers of the 
to identify priority projects and to Agroenterprises AMCY, ASOCIAL, CIAT, zone know how to elabora te pro files of proposals. 
elaborate profiles of proposals Tascalapa and SERTEDESO 
rural credit associations 
Workshop with local organizations CIAT- Jly, 2001 CLODEST¡ CIAT, ACELY, 22 Five profiles of proposals elaborated and ready lO 
to present pro files of proposals for Agroenlerprises AMCY, Asocial, CIAT, present to donors. 
prioritized projects Tnscalapa and SERTEDESO 
rural credit associations 
Meeting to elaborate AOP of the CIAT, Inst. San 23n!OI CIAT, ISP, IPCA 5 technicians Draft of the agreemenl between the San Pedro 
project ,:.,ith youths Pedro lnstitute and CIAT. 
VI. Forum of Commercialization in CIAT- 25- CARE, World Vision, CASM, 300 300 persons informed of lhe agroenterprise 
Honduras Agroenterprises, 2717/01 SNV, CIAT, SAG project activities in Honduras. 
CON AS EL, 
PASOLAC, SAG, 
UPEG 
Participatory evaluation in cowpea CIAT Forages l/8/01 CIAT 11 producers 11 inlerviews carried out. 
tria! in SOL project 1 technician 
Workshop with producers of ClAT- Aug, CI A T, vegetable producers 33 33 producers of vegeta bies know how to 
vegetables Agroenterprises 2001 elaborate the vegetable production chai n and 
identify and prioritize the problems of the chain. 
Workshop of participative CIAT-Hillsides, 2/8/01 CIAT, IPCA AFOCO 19 technicians lndex of contents defined for methodological 
monitoring and evaluation Hohenheim Uni. guide of participative M&E lo base groups level. 
Table 27 NICARAGUA 
Type of event Organizers Date Part 
-
icipating i nstitutions 
Presentation of experience in water 
appraisal experience in S. Dionisio 
Presentation in annual Congress 
with organizations working with 
participative methodologies · 
(Matagalpa) 
Course-workshop on economic 
evaluation of soil erosion 
Training workshop on INRM (all 
the Guides) in Venezuela 
Meeting to evaluate training work 
with the Nicaragua national team 
Training workshop on INRM in 
Nicaragua 
1 National Forum of Payment for 
Environmental Services 
Workshop on management of data 
and statistics 
Workshop on Participative 
Research (CIALs) 
FARENA-UNA 
INTA 
MIS- IBSRAM 
INTA-FONAIAP 
CIAT-UNA 
CIAT-UNA 
PASOLAC, 
MARENA 
CIAT 
CIAT, INTA, 
ADDAC, 
PRODESSA 
12/9/00 
19-
20/10/00 
23-
27/10/00 
3-
1011 1100 
12-
13/12/00 
2-
10/2/01 
8-9/2/0 1 
18-
20/4/01 
23-
27/4/01 
CIAT, UNA students 
Rural agencies of 
development 
Inst. members M1S in 
Honduras and Nicaragua 
Municipal representatives of 
INIA 
UNA, CEPRODEL,UCA, 
CIEETS 
UNA/FARENA,UNAN-
Managua, UNAN-Matagalpa, 
UNI, UCA 
NGOs, state institutions and 
universities 
Partners (ADDAC, 
PRODESSA, INT A, UNA, 
PCaC) 
CIAT, INTA, ADDAC, 
PRODESSA 
No. of 
25 students, 
5th year 
22 technicians 
and 
professionals 
31 technic ians 
and 
professionals 
12 trai ners 
42 students 
22 agencies 
and national 
inst. and 11 
independent 
consultants 
lO technicians 
and 
professional s 
20 
Knowledge of the methodology inserted in the 
framework of curricular subjects of FAREN A. 
Shared partic ipati ve experienccs of research with 
the CIAL methodology. 
Workshop execution agreement made wi th CIAL 
methodology to orgs. working with INT A. 
Knowledge and practica! methodology of 
economic appraisal of soi l conservat ion imparted. 
Commitmcnt made of applying the methodology 
in the reference sites. 
Case studies being executed in San Dionisio . 
Eight Action Plans to be implemented with the 
CIAT methodologies in eight ten·itories in 
Venezuela. 
Experiences revised on the process of training 
and proposals for the following year. 
Training given to final year students o f 
universities present. 
One Action Plan prepared. 
Shared experiences and identi fied themes of 
presentation for the regional forum. 
Knowledge imparted of the statistical program 
SPSS to handle agronomic data. 
20 technicians trained in participative research 
methodology. 
Action Plans elaborated by INT A, ADDAC, and 
PROBESSA. 
Continued. 
Table 27 NICARAGUA (Continue~.) 
Type of event Organízers Date Participating institutions No~ of Resul.ts 
H Regional Forum of Payment for SDC, PASOLAC, 25- Jnstitutions of research, About 150 Experiences share and discussed. 
Environmental Services CA TI E, 27/4/01 education, and development of including Advances on the theme of payment for 
M ARENA, Central and South America expositors and environmental services made known to world 
Austrian and partí e i pators leve l. 
Canadian 
cooperation 
Specific workshop on Guide of UCA 4/5/01 2nd year students of UCA 50 Knowledge of the methodology included in 
well-being levels UCA 's Faculty ofTechnology of the 
Environment subject curricula. This is for the 
second consecutive year. 
Training workshop on INRM in CIAT, 28- EAQ~. PE~A. IMC. 25 Technicians were trained in using the tools. 
Nicaragua TROPISEC 3115/01 POLDEC-Limay, Alcaldía-
Límay, DANIDA, AMCRE, 
COEG, S. lnternac, A. 
Campesinos, Progr. Parroquial 
Field dar at San Dionisia with CIAT 19/6/01 CIAT,SDC 7 Presentation was made of activitíes; of SOL, 
CIA T General Director CIALs, and organizational processes. 
Workshop on integral watershed CATIE, 2-3/8/01 CIAT, UNA, INTA, 25 Watershed management results identified. 
management UNNFARENA, Presentation given on methodological ínstruments 
INTA for decísion takíng in NRM. 
Meeting of SDC projects SDC, CIAT 3/8/2001 PASOLAC, FOMENTA, 20 SDC gave information on its strategy to 2010. 
Postharvest CIAT presentation given on work strategy to 
local , natíonal, and regional, scales. 
lnterinstitutional meeting and of Mayor's Office 6/9/01 CIAT-Hillsides, INTA, 17 Provisional Committee elected at municipal leve!. 
local organizations in San Dionisia, PRODESSA, ODESAR, Baseline presentalion made. 
Matagalpa PCaC, Mayor's Office, Beneficiaries and creditors systematized. 
Campos Verdes, CIALs, 
UCOSD 
5.3 Maintain an efficient information system of the project with its 
partners 
5.3.1 Update project \Veb page monthly 
CIAT-HQ 
Highlight 
../ The CIAT Web site in Cali is being redesigned and updated with project infonnation based 
on changes carried out by the Communications Unir 
Objectives 
• Make available project information to users, that is, the activities and the products that the 
project is executing and has generated to date 
First we proceeded to organize the existing project information, Jisting it and converting the 
documents that exist in digital format to .pdf. Based on the design of the CIA T Communications 
Unit, we proceeded to organize the ínformation so that what the project wants to show can be 
seen, trying to cover all possíble fields. Revisions are being canied out and corrections of the 
work based on the general features of CIAT. 
At present, the previous Web site is available; we hope that within 2 moñths the new site will be 
available. The Web page is divided into Products, Training, Information Resources, Rese_arch 
Areas, About Us, Annual Reports, and Related Web Sites. In the center of the page is the latest 
news, such as new work, thesis work, projects, new personnel. 
Contributor: A Jiménez Nieto 
CIA T -Central America 
Highlight 
../ Partners in the region have access to the information generated by the project through a new 
Web page 
Objectives 
• Make available to users project information such as the activities and the products that CIAT 
generares 
• Diffuse the information that CIAT-Central America has available in its offices and that can 
be consulted 
We proceeded to organize al! project information generated in the reference sites and converted 
the documents to .pdf format. Information was divided into sections so that the user can follow 
the project's steps in a logical manner. Then we initiated the design of the new Web page. 
108 
Severa! revisions were made and corrections based on the suggestions and recomrnendations of 
.,. the CIAT projects in Cali. 
The Web page (Figure 26) can be accessed at http://www.l23.hn/ciatlúll. The page contains 
sections for consultation about project activities and products. AJso included is a complete listing 
of all publications produced in the reference sites, and of project bulletins. A section is dedicated 
to special projects, links, and other news. 
. CoMo~;~ lnlegr~· 
~k ~lo.t Fi-fjgl~ (MISJ ·. ' 
P~.r:>Onaf · 
Otms Enloces. cú:r 
t~GV[OAD[:, 
~ ~Pr~rt.:~J"c¡..n4!fc;;:~m'!?~ifo;de· loí M~vt\le,.,l'~at' 
•n k>'$:&o.s~"de UJ"'.....,'""' 
- ~f\~~~.or·tt~~Q 
CIAl:·.~ADE~¡t.S,~,:A'p·•~t,~<~.o\419 . f¡d·¡¡j;;¡~.P•ImÍ~•. 
_Frt~tió~t H~t•l l!oJi.{u_ru M#•~do.'~&o;~eO.~éjv•lP~; H!.fi ctj,r.u. 
Tel. '(~~.232,,1862;. 2.39·1431 . .2311-t-432.. . 
. f' AX.:l504) 2311>')~.·E·rh',tl!:.d&thllfh'oi1éfUtaiM 
. - . ' . . ..  .. .. ~.. . \ .· . . . . . . -~ 
CIAT·lAOE""S, Ni~_.agua, ~;or!Adó p;,.t.,¡ CM-i72.,PJ'.n eÍ .~ol, 
2- w•drí,..,, .... ,, 2.cui'ctt~'3nilí.i :.lllidl,.. c~~ .CI,., 
., 1•·ar;:>Mirl~~-u~: t~,.;.., •. o.¡¡·:·r·.,,,,;;,ó: (SO~ 2n'*~. 
~~>r,-~)2~ E·m•.;\~ iaatn~!ic~~-':t.com.ni 
Figure 26. Web page of CIAT-Hillsides in Central America. 
Contributor: V Escober 
Collaborators: M Ayarza, JA Beltrán 
Consultation interface for research on Cabuyal River watershed 
Highlight 
./ User-friendly interface available on Hillsides Web page for consultation on Cabuya! River 
watershed 
109 
Objective 
• Compile and organize in a consultation interface the largest possib le quantity of material on 
the Cabuya! watershed to facilitare its consultation and to promete its diffusion 
Materia1s and Methods 
The description of the interface's content and structure is summarízed in the document 
overview .pdf, which is included in the introduction to the interface. Because of the heterogeneity 
of the type and quality of work compiled, access criteria had to be defined for the materials, 
which were assigned parallel to the process of installation of the interface in September 2001. 
Three main categories were considered: 
(1) Total restriction or access by request: constituted by material represented in primary data or 
semi-processed originating from CIAT or third parties as well as documents that can be 
edited in .doc and .txt format. 
(2) Limited access to the projects PE-4 and PE-3: Includes material of interest for GIS users or 
hillside environment researchers. 
(3) Unrestricted access: Tables of contents in HT:rvt:L format, figures, presentations in Power 
Point and sorne public-type documents at present accessible on other Web sites. 
Results 
The final product of the work consists of an interface for visible consultation through a navigator 
for HT:rvt:L documents installed at present on the Hillsides Project Web site. 
The contents of the interface are summarized below. 
Layers of georeferenced data (vector and raster) at different scales of the Cabuya) area and 
bordering zones digitized from maps of third sources such as contour lines, rivers, lakes, 
roads, soils, climatic zones, global positioning system (GPS) control points, administrative 
divisions, ground cover, etc. 
Layers of georeferenced data products of spatial analysis of models of elevation, erosion, 
hydrology, vegetation, changes of ground cover, classification of remote sensing images 
(satellite and air photographs). 
Tabular data of biophysical (climate, soils, agricultura) production) and socioeconomic 
information of the zone (1993 census and surveys of various types). 
Two doctorare theses and about fi ve undergraduate and masters theses. More than 1 O theses 
are in process of recuperation. 
Articles published in magazines and summaries of ccmferences and seminars. 
Presentations in Power Point used in conferences and seminars. 
Computer programs and/or information systems modules for hydrological simulation and 
changes of ground cover. 
Once the interface was installed and the criteria of access assigned, the information was 
presented toa group of persons from projects PE-4, PE-3, and from Information Systems. The 
l LO 
objectíve was to explaín the content and structure of the work and to collect ideas that could 
improve similar initiatives in the future. 
Contributor: K Pallaris (consultant) 
5.3.2 Circulate the project bulletin 
During the present year two further bulletins were prepared and circulated. One was about the 
SOL, and the other on the diffusion strategy for the tools for decision making in the management 
of natural resources. 
5.3.3 Prepare and publish scientific articles, technical documents, and proceedings of all 
workshops organized by the project 
The most important set of documents regarding training and institutional support is composed of 
the reports written on each workshop held this year. The following training activities are thereby 
recorded: 
Training Course on the use of DS tools for FONAIAP, Barquisimeto, Venezuela, November 
2000. 
Third National Course on the use of DS tools carried out in December 2000, at 
ESNACIFOR, Honduras. 
Fourth National Course on the use of DS fnstruments carried out for the National School of 
Agriculture (ENA), March, 2001, Cataca~as, Olancho, Honduras. 
Training course for CORPOICA delivered in March 2001 in Pasto, Narino, Colombia. 
Training course for 11 NGOs associated with TROPISEC carried out in May 2001. 
Training Workshop·for Nicaraguan NGO~, canied out in August 2000, in La Cartuja, 
Matagalpa, Nicaragua. 
Training Course for Nicaraguan Universities on the use of DS tools, carried out in El 
Crucero, Nicaragua in February 2001. 
A full list of the project publications appears on page XX. 
Contributor: V Zapata 
5.3.4 Organization of information generated by the project 
Objectives 
• Compile and group in a single site, in digital forrn, al! or most of the documents generated by 
the project since it began 
• Put the internally available information in easy-to-use form 
111 
• Have this information available in the three countties (Honduras, Nicaragua, and Colombia) 
and in the reference sites 
We began by compiling in paper form all the interna! documents of the project since 1995, 
including theses, annual reports, operating plans, and what little there was in digital form. Then a 
database was created and a physical space that contains all this information, to have an easy 
search form and access, for example : 
5. Farrners' decision making on land use- the importance of soil conditions versus other factors 
in the case of Rio Cabuya! watershed, Colombia. Ravnborg, H. M. and J. E. Rubiano (1998). 
Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical. Cali. Colombia 
-
48. "A case of farmer adaptation and adoption of contour hedgerows for soil conservation." 
Fuj isaka, S. (1993). Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical. Cali. Colombia 
The database is simple, easy to use, and permits the adding of infonnation as it is generated. As 
documents are generated in the project they are added to the corresponding folders and dispersed 
information is avoided. The three sites where the project works can have all the available 
information and the search for a document is done more easily. 
All or most documents are found organized on the shelves and in digital form in folders. We 
have easy access to the documents, and the information can be lent both within and outside 
CIAT. 
Contributor: A Jiménez Nieto, MA Franco (Information Systems), all the PE-3 team 
5.4 Strengthen joint work with other projects and organizations 
5.4.1 Circulate final information of the Seeds of Hope Project 
In Honduras, a presentation of results was given to the Regional Offices of the donors, USAID 
_ and CIDA. At this meeting, NGOs that benefited from the seed distribution also attended. Copies 
of the report were sent to donors through the CIA T Projects Office. 
- 5.4.2 Establish an FAO-CIAT agreement for the production of artisanal seed 
Objective 
• Contribute to improving food security of small-scale rural producers by means of improved 
artisanal production and commercialization and diversified vegetative material, adapted to 
each agroecological zone in necessary quantities and qualities 
Eight NGOs are executing the project as listed below. 
112 
NGO 
APS 
Comisión Cristiana de Desarrollo (CCD) 
World Neighbors 
ICADE 
MOVIMONDO 
Grupo Guia 
CONSULUPE 
CISP 
Si te of operation 
Ocotepeque 
Santa Barbara 
Santa Barbara 
El Paraíso 
El Paraíso 
El Paraíso 
Francisco Morazan 
Colon 
To develop the technical capacity of NGO producers and technicians, training activities were 
deve loped on the crops of bean, maize, rice, and sorghum. This training is first given to 
technicians and then to producers. The training deals with themes related to the agronomic 
management of the crops, interpretation and recommendation of an analysis of soils, postharvest 
management , quality tests, certification, markets, financia! analysis, and varietal description. To 
date, eight NGO technicians and 24 producers have been trained on these themes; and 18 mz of 
maize and 9.7 mz of bean have been established. 
Contributor: 
Collaborator: 
G Giraldo (Seeds Project) 
R Pacheco (Seeds Project) 
· ··· .. · 5.4.3 Establish an agreement with CARE, CRS, CASM, and World Vision to implement 
the Learning Alliances 
The initiative of Jearning alliances was presented during a m~eting to four NGOs in Honduras: 
CRS, CARE, CASM, and World Vision (see under 3.2.3). In the last meetings held with each, 
they informed us that t~ey are socializing this information within their projects. Sorne of these 
projects are including ttiese activities in their annual planning for next year beginning in October 
2001 and finalizing in September 2002. Therefore the signing of an agreement of cooperation 
with these institutions in this rirea possibly will be carried out between November and December 
this year. 
5.4.4 Facilitate the execution of Action Plans of the MIS 
The objective of the MIS is to generate, adapt, and divulge technological options for the 
sustainable management of fragile soils in the Central American regions. During the present 
year, regional planning meetings and meetings on follow up by country were organized. In the 
regional meeting, the operative plan of the consortium was defined for the present year anda 
revision was made of the results obtained last year. This information is available on CD-ROM 
and on the consortium's Web page. 
-
Various activities were carried out in Honduras and Nicaragua, for example the biophysical 
characterization of the MIS reference si tes in Honduras (see under 2.1.1 ). Al so, proposals are 
being financed related with the measuring of water quality, economic evªl_uation of soil erosion, 
113 
and processes of inforrnation systematization. The results of these activities will be reported in 
the Soil Water Nutrient Management program (SWNM) report. 
5.4.5 Follow up undergraduate and postgraduate theses with students at educational 
centers at local, national, and international levels 
The project maintains an active flow of students from diverse educational centers in Honduras 
and Nicaragua. Six thesis of Ingeniero Agrónomo were guided this year. They appear in the list 
of publications. 
Three new postgraduate students were incorporated into the project. Rein Van der Boek of the 
University of Hohenheim Ín Gerrnany is working on the development of new methods of 
participative evaluation of forage-based technologies. The thesis of Kirsten Probst on 
methodologies of participatory monitoring is almost completed. 
5.5 Establish a participa ti ve system of monitoring and evaluation of the 
project to monitor its performance and feed back to planning 
5.5.1 Prepare 3-monthly reports-March, June, September, and December 
The original scheme was changed to monthly planning meetings in each country. Results are 
available as meeting reports. 
5.5.2 Carry out progress evaluation activities of the project to orient its future 
fulfillment 
A highly important acti"vity was developed this year with the participation of all members of the 
Hillsides Project in Montelimar, Nicaragua. For the first time in its history, the Project members 
hadan opportunity to meet and reflect upon its mission, strategies, and activities. A summary of 
the workshop results, available from PE-3, provides a review of its objectives, the participants' 
needs, and workshop components. This was an opportunity to analyze externa! reviews (SDC-
IDRC, and Externa! Program and Management Review [EPMR]) as well as an interna! self-
evaluation. 
Contributor: V Zapata 
114 
5.6 Establish an efficient and participatory administrative system within 
the project 
5.6.1 ldentify new opportunities of financing the project activities, prepare research 
proposals, and carry out follow up to these initiatives 
Highlight 
../ Potential donors were identified for the project activities in the region, and the development 
of specific proposals was init.iated 
Objectives 
• Maintain donar agencies infonned on the activíties and the products of the project 
• Identify new fínancing opportunities for the project 
Table 28 and 29 summmize activities and the results of follow up made to severa! agencies of 
cooperation. Great interest exists on the part of sorne of these in financing and/or jointly 
executing activities within or outside the reference si tes. Good possíbilities exist of obtaining 
resources for the project, especially through the European agencies of cooperation in Nicaragua. 
Already important steps have been made and we hope to crystallize results next year. 
Contributors: M Ayarza, J Beltrán 
Proposal for geographical information systems elaborated 
Objective 
• Develop a proposal to establish local systems of information 
CIA T explored the feasibility ihat PRONADERS include a Municipal Information System in 
Watershed Management Program funded by IDB. This initiative would deploy resources to 
establish local infonnation units in more developed municipalities identified by CIAT in the 
characterization of priority areas for this project. The bases for the establishment of these local 
information units was developed by CIAT Honduras and later incorporated to the PRONADERS 
module in the fina l version of the ~ocument for the Honduran government. 
We expect that PRONADERS will cal! upon CIAT when this component of the module is to be 
executed. As part of this initiative, a methodological Guide will need to be prepared for training 
and dissemínation purposes. So far, the most important achievement has been the inclusion of the 
local inforrnation system wíthin the Priority Watersheds Program of Honduras. 
Contributor: 1 Chenier, Programa Nacional de Desarrollo Sostenible (PRONADERS) 
CoHaborators: V Zapata, O Mejia 
115 
Table 28. Plan of follow up to donors in Nicaragua (for acronyms and abbreviations see page 131). 
1 
1 
lnstitution Contact ~erson Date Activit;t Results 
Swedish Peter Herthelius, First 6 Feb 2001 ldentify opportunit ies for CIAT • Start of contacts with the consultan! Merlinda FS Cuellar 
Embassy Secretary for agricultura! (ORGUT Consulting company AB) for design of the 
and rural development proposal for development in two agricultura! municipalities 
matters and two cattle-raising municipalities. 
• Plan for visit ofPeters Herthelius to CIAT on 23-25 April, 
CIAT interest strategy for Central America and Africa. 
• In May, terms of reference were delivered for the execution 
of various projects (pendi ng their request). 
DAN IDA Hans Henrik Sass, main Apr20 Identify opportunities for CIAT • Seeds project under the leadership of INT A, post poned to 
technical advisor Analyze seed project with INT A end ofyear. 
lván Jerez Sánchez advisor 1 • New meeting for ,April 20 on new themes for joint projects . 
ATP 
IDB Mario Mejía, Mar25 ldentify opportunities for CIAT • Pending meeting with other consultants for the environment 
subrepresentati ve and agricultura! sector. 
Denis Corrales, Environment • Delivery by Denis Corrales of consultative docu ments 
Consultan! CIA T -CA TI E. 
Royal ALF Friiso, Second Since 2000 there has been the • Delivery of a draft Concept Note 
Embassy of Secretary possibility of a project with • In May NORAD's permanence in Central America is 
Norway CIAT, for the Mesoamerican defined for new projects. 
N ORAD biological corridor 
• New meeting pending in May . 
MAGFOR Miguel Angel Castellón S, 7-23 Feb Identification of opportunities for • Presentation of MAGFOR and CIAT (See report of V 
Director General of CIAT Zapata and JA Beltran). 
Development Program • Proposal to INT A on training strategy . 
Ramiro Ortiz, technology 
• Pending meeting with Julio Solórzano, Director of the 
specialis( Project of Agricultura! Technology. 
FAlTAN Víctor Blandón 26Mar Follow up to possible research • In this month, FAlTAN and FLAT will give calls for 
proposals for the fund. Individual research and development projects. 
proposals up to US$80,000 and • Elaboration of propasa! for MIS . 
in strategic alliances US$250,000 
SDC Jurg Benz, Regional 11 Apr AOP • Presentation of CIAT-Hillsides activities to the projects 
Coordinator Project acti vi ti es financed by SDC, 2 Aug. 
Ornar Palacios, Advisor • Visit of J Ashby to SDC . 
agricultura! programs 
• Visit of J Voss 18 Jun . 
Mink 'a Julio Berdegué Sept Elaboration of propasa! by CTAT • Sent propasa! on Collective Action and Improvement in the 
Chorlavi Fund and Campos Verdes Assoc iat ion Conditions of Life of the Rural Communities in San 
Dionisia, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. 
Table 29. Plan of follow up to donors in Honduras (for acronyms and abbreviations see page 131). 
Institution Contact Eerson Date Activity Results 
GTZ Wilfred Liehr, Director 11 Jun 2001 ldenti fication of • Start of contacts to define strategic alliances 
German Cooperati on opportuni ti es for CIAT between CIA T and GTZ. 
for Development • Interest was shown in the area of 
commercialization and in watershed 
management. 
ACDI Denis Buteu, Official 11 Jun 2001 Forestry director and · • Interest in the themes of watersheds and 
advisor commercialization. 
European 1 Blana Gil-Antuno Mar 2001 EU-FAO-CIAT project for • The project is initiatíng . 
Un ion seed production 
Red Cross Aug 2001 Support to the drought • Possibilities'of financing a project of seed 
emergency in Honduras production. 
PAAR Ricardo Arias,National Sept2001 PES project • Financing of proposal of Small Seed 
Project Coordinator Enterprises (PES) 
Hillsides Agricultural Program in Haiti (HAP) 
This program is funded by USAID through Development Altemative Inc. (DAI), which is 
subcontracting CIAT. Our contribution to this project consists of a combination of outputs 
between germplasm (beans, cassava, and forages) and NRM projects (Hillsides and punctual 
contributions from other NRM projects) . The project has been approved with funding of 
US$260,000 from September 2001 to September 2005. 
5.6.2 Assign resources for approved activities in the AOP 
The assigning of resources was oriented towards strengthening the activitíes of Output 1 in the 
reference sites and consolidating and finishing sorne activities in the other outputs. A rigorous 
analysis was made of the other activities, and resources assigned to those least affected by 
personnel leaving. 
5.7 Establish a system of efficient administration 
Highlight 
./ The project implemented in its Honduras and Nicaragua offices the measures recommended 
by Accounts to improve the financia! control of resources 
Objectives 
• lmprove budget control of al! projects in Honduras 
• Establish the pertinent changes in the Administrative Reports sent to Cali 
• Watch over the good management of project funds, according to the nonns established by 
CIAT-Cali . . 
In May 2000, the project was submitted toa review by an Externa! Audit. Changes were 
suggested for improving the administrative management of the CIAT stations in Honduras and 
Nicaragua. In August 2000, we.began to implement new measures of banking controls, check 
books, disbursements, management of petty cash and rotating funds, file of administrative 
inforrnation, better budget control, norrns of personnel, and use of CIAT goods. 
AU the above was necessary to show transparency in the management of the funds that from 
1994 until June 2001 have amounted to about US$2,281,458 in Honduras. 
Contributors: V Escober, M Ayarza 
118 
Publications 
Book and Journal 
\-Leclerc G, Beaulieu N, Bonn F. 2001. A simple method to account for topography in the (\j radiometric correction of SAR ímagery. Int J Remate Sens, forthcomíng. 
Lilienfein J, Wilcke W, Ayarza MA, Vilela L, do Cormo Lima S, Zech W. 2000. Chemical 
fractionation of phosphorus, sulphur, and molybdenum in Brazilian savanna Oxisols 
under different land use. Geoderma 96:31-46. 
Lílienfein_J, Wilcke W, Ayarza MA, Vi lela L, do Cormo Lima S, Thomas R, Zech W. 2000. 
Effect of no-tillage and conventional tíllage systems on the chemical composition of soíl 
solid phase and soil solution of Brazílian savanna Oxisols. J Plant Nutr Soil Sci 163:411-
419. 
Lilienfein J, Wílcke W, Ayarza MA, Vilela L, do Cormo Lima S, Zech W. 2000. Soil 
acidification in Pinus caribaea forests on Brazilian savanna Oxisols. Forest Eco! Manage 
128:145-157. ( 
Nelson A. 2001. Analysing data across geographic scales in Honduras: detecting levels of 
organization within systems. Agríe Ecosyst En vi ron 85:107-131. 
Workshop and Conference Papers 
Baltodano ME. 200 l. Cifras de la pobreza en Nicaragua y metodologías para medir niveles de 
vida. Presentation to students at the Universidad Centroamericana (UCA), 20 May 2001, · 
Managua, Nicaragua. 
Baltodano ME. 2001. Línea base e indicadores. Paper presented in the workshop Manejo de 
Cuencas Hidrográficas y Prevención de Desastres, 29-31 Aug 2001, Someto, Nicaragua. 
Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (CATIE), Nicaragua. 
Beaulieu N. Leclerc G. 2001. Vers des collaboratíons sur les méthodes d'appui au 
développement territorial. Nos possibles apports et nos besoíns. Presentation at the 
Maison de la Télédétection, 26 Jan 2001, Montpellier, France. 
Beaulieu N, Leclerc G, Jaramillo J. 2001. Une approche simple de plariification partícipative a 
multiples échelles permeJtant de guider la spatialisation de données pour la gestion des 
territoíres. Presentation at Journées Réseau de gestíon de J'information localisée 
(REGLIS), 17-18 Jan 2001, Montpellier, France. 
Beltrán JA. 2001. Manejo comunitario de los recursos naturales en agroecosistemas de laderas 
con enfoque de cuencas. Paper presented at the firsfTaller Nacional de Manejo Integral 
de Cuencas Hidrográficas, 2-3 Aug 2001, Managua, Nicaragua. 
119 
Beltrán JA, Ayarza M, Sanz JI. 2001. Colaborando con los pequeños productores de ladera para 
manejar riesgos e incertidumbres. Presentation at the Projects Meeting, 3 Aug 2001, 
Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), Managua, Nicaragua. 
Beltrán JA, Zeledón JC, Morales J. 2001. Participatory mapping, analysis and monitoring of 
natural resources in the Calico River micro-watershed, in San Dionisia, Matagalpa, 
Nicaragua. Paper and Poster presented at the Integrated Natural Resource Management 
(INRM) Workshop, 28-30 Aug 2001, CIAT, Cali, Colombia. 
Bolaños S, Leclerc, G. 2000. Generación de modelos digitales de elevación con imagenes 
RADARSAT por el método radargramétrico: un enfoque al usuario. In: Proceedings of 
the IX Simposio Latinoamericano de Especialistas en Percepción Remota, 6-10 Nov 
2000, Iguazu, Argentina. CD-ROM. 
Bosco, J, Orozco PP, Beltrán JA, eds. 2001. Memoria Taller de Resultados Supermercado de 
Opciones para Laderas (SOL) 2000. CIAT, San Dionisia, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. 25 p. 
CIAT-UNA (CIAT-Universidad Nacional Agraria). 2000. Experiencias en manejo integrado de 
cuencas, subcuenca del río Calico, San Dionisia, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Paper presented 
at the Curso Internacional de Cuencas Hidrográficas,_ 20 Nov - 1 Dec 2000, Quito and 
Guayaquil, Ecuador. 
Janeau JL, Wannitikul G. 2000. Curso Taller Evaluación Económica de la Erosión de Suelos. 
Consorcio para el Manejo Integrado de Suelos (MIS)-CIAT-Intemational Board of Soil 
Resources and Management (IBSRAM)-Universidad Nacional Agraria (UNA), 
Mon~elimar, Nicaragua. 24 p. 
Leclerc G. 2001. Une approche de type "soft systems" pour la prise de décision. Presentation at 
the <=;entre de cooperation intemationale en recherche agronomique pour le 
développement-Département territories, environnement et acteurs (CIRAD-TERA) 
Workshop on Territorial Development, 22 Feb 2001, Montpellier, France. 
Leclerc G. 2001. Intelligent Team Decision Assistant (ITDEA). Computer demonstration at the 
Centre de cooperation intemationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement-
Département territories, environnement et acteurs (CIRAD-TERA) Workshop on 
Territorial Development, 22 Feb 2001, Montpellier, France. 
-
Lec!erc G, Beaulieu N. 2001. La prise de décision a l'ere de l'information, the Intelligent Team 
Decision Assistant. Presentation at Journées Réseau de gestion de l'information Iocalisée 
(REGLIS), 17-18 Jan 2001, Montpellier, France. 
Leclerc G, Narvaez, G, Beaulieu N, Jaramillo J. 2001. The Intelligent Team Decision Assistant 
(ITDEA): A discussion support too! in the information age. Poster presented at the 
lntegrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) Workshop, 28-30 Aug 2001, Cali , 
Colombia. 
120 
Oberthur T, Barrios E, Cook S, Sanz J, Thomas R. 2001. Variation of soil characteristics in 
hillside environments: Magnitude and implications for landscape-based soil management. 
Presentation at the Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) Workshop, 28-30 
Aug 2001, Cali. Colombia. 
Orozco PP, Bosco J, eds. 2001. Resultados del Taller sobre Problemas de Fertilidad de Suelos en 
Sistemas Agrícolas en el Municipio de San Dionisio, Matagalpa. CIAT-Hillsides 
Publication No. 5, CIAT. Managua, Nicaragua. 17 p. 
Orozco PP, Beltrán, JA, Bosco J, eds. 2001. Memorias sobre resultados de ensayos de 
investigación año 2000 en los sitios Supermercado de Opciones de Laderas (SOL) en San 
Dionisia, Matagalpa. CIAT -Hillsides Publication No. 6, Nicaragua. CIA T~ Managua, 
Nicaragua. -
Orozco PP. Beltrán JA, Bosco J, eds. 2001. Memorias sobre el taller de planificación de las 
actividades de Supermercado de Opciones para Laderas (SOL) en San Djonisio, 
Matagalpa. CIAT-Hillsides Publícation No. 7, Nicaragua. CIAT, Managua, Nicaragua. 
Sanz J, Cook S, Oberthur T. 2001. Coping with risk in hillside environments. Presentation at the 
Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) Workshop, 28-30 Aug 2001, Cali, 
Colombia. 
Tijerino D, Zapata V. 2001. Taller sobre Instrumentos Metodológicos para la Toma de 
Decisiones en el Manejo de Jos Recursos Naturales con Universidades. Memoria del 
taller CECAP, El Crucero, Nicaragua. Universidad Nacional Agraria (UNA)-CIAT-
Centro de Promoción del Desarrollo Local (CEPRODEL)- Universidad Centroamericana 
(UCA), Nicaragua. 46 p. 
Tijerino D, Zapata V, eds. 2001. Taller Sobre Instrumentos Metodológicos para la Toma de 
Decisiones en el Manejo de los Recursos Naturales con Universidades en CECAP, El 
Crucero, Managua. CIAT-Hillsides Publication No.3, Nicaragua. CIAT, Managua, 
Nicaragua.77 p. 
UNA-PASOLAC-CIAT (Universidad Nacional Agraria-Programa de Agricultura Sosterúble de 
Laderas en Centro América-CIAT) 2000. Memoria del II Taller Nacional de Instrumentos 
Metodológicos para la Toma de Decisiones en el Manejo de Jos Recursos Naturales. 
UNA-PASOLAC-CIAT, La Cartuja, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. 24p. 
Technical Reports and Others 
A yana M. 2000. Memoria del taller de intercambio de experiencias en manejo de cuencas en El 
Zamorano. Interna! Document, CIA T/Manejo Integrado de los Suelos de Centro América 
consortium (MIS), Honduras. 20 p. 
121 
Ayarza M, Méndez M. 2001. Memoria del taller de planificación de actividades del Manejo 
Integrado de los Suelos de Centro América consortium (MIS) para el año 2001 en 
Amapala. Interna! Document, CIAT/MIS, Honduras. 23 p. 
Baltodano ME. 2001. Documento de avance. Información base del si tio de referencia del 
proyecto CIAT-Laderas, Managua, Nicaragua. Draft document, CIAT, Managua, 
Nicaragua. 22 p. 
Baltodano ME, ed. 2001. Línea de base del sitio de referencia. San Dionisia. Draft document, 
CIAT, Managua, Nicaragua. 
Barbier B, Mejía O. 2001. Generación de indicadores de impacto para el P_rograma de Manejo de 
la Cuenca El Cajón. Interna! Document, CIAT, Honduras. 281 p. 
Barbier B, Mejía O, Baltodano ME. 2000. Inventory of decision support systems in Central 
America. CIA T, Honduras. 7 p. 
Barbier B, Mejia O, Brizuela L. 2000. The Yorito Documentation Center, Honduras. Interna! 
Document, CI~ T, Honduras. 5 p. 
Barrios E, Bekunda M, Delve R, Esilaba A, Mowo J. Identifying and classifying local indicators 
of soil quality- eastern Africa version. Guide (in English) of the series "Instrumentos 
metodológicos para la toma de decisiones en el manejo de los recursos naturales". 
CIAT, Cali , Colombia. 154 p. 
Beaulieu N, Leclerc G. 2001. Progress report after first year of outposting in Montpellier. 
Intemal Report, CIAT, Cali , Colombia. 26 p. 
Beltrán JA, Flores M. 2000. Informe de resultados sondeo participativo de la demanda en las 
cuencas de Chamelecón, Úlua y Nacaome. Programa de Manejo de Recursos Naturales 
en Cuencas Prioritarias. CIA T- Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y 
Enseñanza (CATIE). CIAT, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. 26 p. 
Bolaños S. Uclerc G. 2000. Generación de modelos digitales de elevación con RADARSAT por 
el método fotogramétrico. Web-based training material. 
CA TIE-CIA 1;: (Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza- CIA T). 200 l. Estudio 
de factibilidad y diseño del Programa de Manejo de Recursos Naturales en Cuencas 
Prioritarias. CATIE-CIAT, Honduras. 228 p. 
CIAT-CDMA-ETHZ. (CIAT-Centro para el Desarrollo y el Medio Ambiente-Eidgenossische 
Technische Hochschule-Zentrum). 2001. Taller de aprendizaje autodidactica para la 
gestión y manejo sostenible de los recursos naturales. Berne University and the Swiss 
Federal University, Zurich. CIA T, Susuli, Matagalpa,Nicaragua. 52 p. 
122 
CIAT-Hillsides. 2000. Community Management of Natural Resources in Hillside 
Agroecosystems of Latín America. Annual Report Project PE-3. Cali, Colombia. 142 p. 
CIA T -Hillsides. 200 l. Información base del sitio de referencia del proyecto CIA T -Laderas. 
Documento de A vanee. Draft. PE-3, CIAT, Managua, Nicaragua. 22 p. 
CIAT-Hillsides. 2001. Manejo comunitario de recursos naturales en agro-ecosistemas de laderas. 
Plan Operativo Anual 2001. Publ ication No. 8, CIAT-Hillsides. CIAT, Managua, 
Nicaragua. 24 p. 
CIAT-Híllsides. 2001. Pequeñas empresas de semillas- PES, un enfoque innovador para 
mejorar la competitividad de los productores de las laderas en mercados dinamicos. 
Propuesto de proyecto presentado al Proyecto de Administración de Areas Rurales 
(PAAR). PE-3, CIAT, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. 31 p. 
CIAT-IPGRI (Intemational Plant Genetics Research Institute). 2001. Seeds of Hope_Central 
America Phase IL A joint draft proposal for the follow-up to Phase I, submitted to United 
States Agency for International Development (USAID). CIAT, Cali, Colombia. 21 p. 
CIA T -MAGFOR-INEC (CIA T -Ministerio Agropecuario y Forestal-Instituto Nacional de 
Estadísticas y Censos). 2000. Atlas Rural de Nicaragua. CIAT-MAGFOR-INEC, 
Managua, Nicaragua. 60 p. 
CIAT-World Bank-PNUMA-MAGFOR. (CIAT-World Bank-Progama de las Naciones Unidas 
para el Medio Ambiente -Ministerio Agropecuario y Forestal). 2000. Atlas Rural de 
Matagalpa con Indicadores Ambientales, Managua, Nicaragua. CD-ROM. 
Cisneros J. 2000. Informe: Primera visita de seguimiento a los planes de acción. Instrumentos 
Metodológicos para la Toma de Decisiones en el Manejo de los Recursos Naturales. 
CIAT-Centro Intereclesial de Estudios Teológicos y Sociales(CIEETS)-Universidad 
Nacional Agraria (UNA)-Centro de Promoción del Desarrollo Local (CEPRODEL)-
Universidad Centroamericana (UCA)-Fondo de Desarrollo para la Costa Atlántica de 
Nicaragua (FADCANIC), Nicaragua. 31 p. 
CLODEST (Comité Local para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Cuenca del río Tascalapa). 2001. 
Políticas de financiamiento de proyectos productivos CLODEST-REDOLYS (Red de 
Organizaciones Locales de Yorito y Sulaco), Yorito, Y oro, Honduras. 4 p. 
Ferrara B. 2001. Experiencias en el financiamiento d~ proyectos productivos. Comité Local para 
el Des~rrollo Sostenible de la Cuenca del río Tascalapa (CLODEST)- CIAT, Yorito, 
Y oro, Honduras. 18 p. 
Ferrera B, Brizuela L. 2001. Experiencias en el financiamiento de proyectos productivos en 
Yorito, Y oro. Interna! Document, Comité Local para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la 
Cuenca del río Tascalapa, Honduras (CLODEST)-CIAT, Honduras. 19 p. 
123 
Flores J. 2001. Análisis económico del impacto de las técnicas de conservación de suelo y agua 
en Honduras. Interna! Document. CIAT-Manejo Integrado de los Suelos de Centro 
América consortium (MIS), Honduras. 46 p. 
Flores J. 2001. Metodologías para la valoración económica de pagos por servicios ambientales. 
Interna! Document. CIAT-Manejo Integrado de los Suelos de Centro América consortium 
(MIS), Honduras. 41 p. 
González J. 2000. Influencia de los incentivos económicos en la reducción de contaminantes de 
los beneficios de café en la cuenca del no Fno, San Nicolás, Santa Bárbara. Masters 
Thesis, Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza.(CATIE), Honduras. 
121 p. 
Iturbe A, Ayarza M, Barbier B, Mejia O. 2000. Diagnóstico y priorización de las cuencas 
hidrográficas para el Programa de Desarrollo Rural Sostenible en Cuencas Hidrográficas 
Prioritarias. (H0-179): Fase l. Interna! Document, CIAT, Honduras. 55 p. 
!turbe A, Ayarza M, Barbier B, Mejia O. 2000. Diagnóstico y priorización de las cuencas 
hidrográficas para el Programa de Manejo de Recursos Naturales en Cuencas 
Hidrográficas Prioritarias (H0-179): Fase II. Interna! Document, CIAT, Honduras. 168 p. 
Jarquín B. 2001. Los comités de investigación agncola local en el municipio de San Dionisia, 
Matagalpa. Paper presented in the Séptimo Encuentro Regional de Intercambio de 
Experiencias sobre Experimentación Campesina, Estelí, Nicaragua. 
Jiménez A. 2000. ¿Cuáles incentiyos permiten estimular un mejor uso de la tierra? Simulación en 
la sub-cuenca del río Caláñ. Degree Thesis (Ingeniería), Honduras. 82 p. 
Kok K. 2001. Scaling the land us~ system: a modelling approach with case studies for Central 
America. Thesis, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Neths. 155 p. 
Lance K, Méndez M, Imán G, Giraldo G, Ayarza M, Leclerc G, Nelson A. 2001. Evaluation of 
the Atlas of Honduras (Atlas Mitch). Interna! Document, CIA T , Honduras. 27 p. 
Leclerc G. 2001. Intelligent Team Decision Assistant (ITDEA). Plannification stratégique a !'ere 
de l'information. Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Ottawa, Canada, 
August 22, 200 l. 
Leclerc G, Narvaez G. 2001. Intelligent Team Decision Assistant (ITDEA) Microsoft Access 
version 2. 
Leclerc G, Narvaez G, and Barona E. 2000. Intelligent Team Decision Assistant (ITDEA). 
Computer demonstration, CIAT, Cali, Dec. 2000. 
León J. 2000. Comparación de dos modelos de predicción de la erosión hídrica versus medición 
real. Degree Thesis (lngeniena). Honduras. 82 p. 
124 
Menocal, OA, Bosco J. 2001. Distribución y evaluación preliminar de 14 cultivares de Camote 
(Batata) introducidos del Centro Internacional de la Papa. Instituto Nacional de 
Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)-CIAT, Managua, Nicaragua. 13 p. 
Nelson A. 2001. Spatial analysis toolkit version 1.0. Interna! document. PE-3, CIAT, Cali, 
Colombia. 29 p. 
Palma M. 2001. Informe general CLODEST. Interna! document, Comité Local para el Desarrollo 
Sostenible de la Cuenca del rio Tascalapa (CLODEST)- CIAT, Honduras. 15 p. 
Palma M. Brizuela L. 2001. Análisis de la operatividad y participación en CLODEST en Yorito, 
Y oro. Interna! document, Comité Local para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Cuenca del rio 
Tascalapa (CLODEST)- CIAT, Honduras. 13 p. 
Reyes T, Beltrán JA, Bosco J, eds. 2001. Resultados de los ensayos de investigación año 2000, 
realizados por los Comités de Investigación Agrícola Local (CIALs) en San Dionisia, 
Matagalpa. CIAT-Hillsides Publication No. 4, Nicaragua. CIAT, Managua, Nicaragua. 
Ruíz D, 2000. Cuantificación de indicadores locales de calidad de suelo en la microcuenca de 
Luquigue, Y oro. Degree Thesis (Ingeniería), Escuela Agrícola Panamericana.(EAP), 
Honduras. 64 p. 
Ruíz F, Lira R, Beltrán JA, Espinoza N. 2001. Valoracíón de daños por erosión en la subcuenca 
del río Calico, San Dionisia, Matagalpa. CIAT-Hillsides Publication No. 1, Nicaragua. 
CIAT, Managua, Nicaragua. 37p. 
Sanz JI. 2001. Improving agricultura! sustainability and livelihoods in the Central American 
hillsides. Technical Report No. 1, April-2000, 31 March 2001. CIAT. Cali, Colombia. 
26 p. 
Sanz JI, Jones AJ. 2001. Impmving agricultura! sustainability and livelihoods in the Central 
American hillsides. Project SDC #t.311 Central America 14. Technical Report, 1 Apr 
2000-31 Mar 2001. CIAT, Cali, Colombia. 26 p. 
Sanz JI, Ziegler RS, Sarkarung S, Malina DL, Rivera M. 2001. Improved rice-pastures systems 
for native savanna and degraded pastures in acid soils of Latín America. CIAT, Cali, 
Colombia. 24 p. 
Somaniba M. 2000. Memoria del curso sobre Evaluación Económica_óe la Erosión. Interna! 
Document, CIA T- Man~jo Integrado de los Suelos de Centro América consortium 
(MIS), Nicaragua. 22 p. 
Sosa A. 2000. Análisis del balance hídrico de la microcuenca del río Jalapa, Yorito, Y oro. 
Degree Thesis (Ingeniería), Honduras. 60 p. 
125 
Trejo M. 2001. Memoria del cuarto Curso Nacional de Capacitación sobre los Instrumentos 
Metodológicos para la Toma de Decisiones en el Manejo de los Recursos Naturales, en la 
Escuela Nacional de Agricultura (ENA). Catacamas, O lancho. Interna! Document, CIAT, 
Honduras. 21 p. 
Trejo M, Martínez J. 2000. Caracterización biofísica de las microcuencas de los ríos Jalapa y 
Luquigue. Interna] Document, CIAT, Honduras. 97 p. 
Treja M, Mm1ínez J. 2001. Caracterización edáfica de la zona de Congolón. Intemal Document, 
CIAT- Manejo Integrado de los Suelos de Centro América consortium (MIS), Honduras. 
44 p. 
Van der Hoek R. 2001. Development of participatory research methods for forage-based 
technologies for smallholders. PhD Research Proposal 2001-2004. CIAT-Hohenheim 
University. Draft, unpublished. Available from PE-3, CIAT, Cali, Colombia. 
Zaconeta F. 2000. Identificación de plantas locales como indicadoras de calidad de suelos en 
parcelas agrícolas, en la microcuenca Luquigüe, Y oro. Degree Thesis (Ingeniería), 
Honduras. 55 p. 
Zapata V. 2001. Fortalecimiento de la gestion local. PE-3, CIAT, Cal i, Colombia. 46 p. 
Zúñiga N. 2001. Informe Centro de Documentacion. CQmité Local para el Desarrollo Sosten_ible 
de la Cuenca del río Tascalapa (CLODEST)- CIAT, Honduras. 18 p. 
Zúñjga N, Brizuela L. 2001. ¿Qué es el centro de documentación de Yorito, Y oro? Internal 
Document, Comité Local para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Cuenca del rio Tascalapa 
(CLODEST) - CIAT, Honduras. 
126 
Donors 
Canadian Intemational Development Agency (CIDA) 
Danish Intemational Development Agency (DANIDA) 
Ecoregional Fund to Support Methodological Initiatives 
Internacional Development Research Centre (IDRC) 
Intemational Service for National Agricultura] Research (ISNAR) 
Royal Danish Mini~try of Foreign Affairs, Department for Development Research 
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) 
United States Agency for Intemational Development (USAID) 
Collaborators 
Within CIA T: 
Pedro Argel (IP-5) 
Jacqui Ashby (Director for NRM) 
Neuza Azakawa (PE-2) 
Edmundo Barrios (PE-2) 
Nathalie Beaulieu (PE-4) 
Sandra Bolaños (PE-4) 
Juan Guillermo Cobo (PE-2) 
Communications Unit 
Luis Horacio Franco (IP-5) 
Manuel Arturo Franco (Information Systems) 
Guil lermo Giraldo (Seeds Project) 
Dean Holland (Consultant PE-3) 
Glenn Hyman (PE-4) 
Jaime Jaramillo (PE-4) 
Kare Lance (PE-4) 
Mark Lundy (SN-1) 
Miguel Mendez (Seeds Project) 
Genner Narvaez (PE-4) 
Andy Nelson (PE-4) 
Rodolfo Pachico (Seeds Project) 
Claudia Perea (PE-4) 
Michael Peters (IP-5) 
Javier Puig (PE-4) 
Carlos Arturo Quiroz (IPRA) 
Luis Alfredo Hemandez Romero (IPRA) 
Axel Schmidt (PE-2) 
Mireille Totobesola (SN-1) 
127 
Outside CIA T: 
Asociación para la Diversificación y Desarrollo Agrícola Comunal, Matagalpa (ADDAC), 
Nicaragua 
Juan Bosco, consultant, Nicaragua 
Bruno Barbier, Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le 
développement (CIRAD), France 
Nicolas Bleuse, Systemes d'information localisée pour l'aménagement du tenitoire (SILAT), 
France 
C Burgos, Dirección de Investigación de Ciencias y Tecnología Agrícola (DICTA), Honduras 
J Bustamante, Fundacion Ecotropica, Nicaragua 
Campos Verdes Association, Nicaragua 
Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Maíz y Trigo (CIMMYT), Mexico 
Centro Internacional de la Papa (CIP), Peru 
Centro Universitario Regional del Litoral Atlántico (CURLA), Honduras 
J Chenier, Programa Nacional de Desarrollo Sostenible (PRONADERS), Honduras 
Comités de Investigación Agticola Local (CIALs) 
Comités Locales (CLOs), Honduras and Nicaragua 
Comité de Micro empresas y Comercialización del CIDES de Sulaco y los productores de maíz 
de Sulaco, Honduras 
Consorcio para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Ecorregión Andina (CONDESAN) 
Consorcio Interinstitucional para una Agricultura Sostenible en Laderas (CIPASLA), Colombia 
Cooperative for American Remittances Everywhere (CARE) 
Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule-Zentrum (ETHZ, Swiss Federal Institute of 
Technology), Zurich 
José Escolán, Escuela Nacional de Agricultura (ENA), Honduras 
Escuela Agrícola Panamericana Zamorano (EAP), Honduras 
Noemí Espinosa, Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) 
Farmers of San Dionisio, Nicaragua 
Benjamín Ferrera, Comité Local para el Desarrollo Sostenible 9e la Cuenca del río Tascalapa 
(CLODEST), Honduras 
Miguel Flores, Comité Interinstitucional para el Desarrollo de Sulaco (CIDES), Honduras 
JM Gonzales, Instituto Hondureño del Café (IHCAFE) 
Carolyn Goodfellow, Canadian Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) 
Veronica Gottret, Institute for Social Studies (ISS), the Hague, Neths 
V Hoffmann, University of Hohenheim, Germany 
Sally Humphries, University of Guelph, Canada 
Instituto San Pedro, Yorito, Honduras 
International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada 
_ International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), USA 
Intemational Water Management Institute (IWMI) 
Investigación Participativa para Centro América (IPCA) project 
M Mena, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Nicaragua 
Udo Nielsen (Dendron Resource Surveys Inc) 
Members of the Comisión de Crédito, Microempresas y Comercialización (CMC)-Yorito 
Members of the Comisión de Producción, Crédito, Comercialización y Microempresas 
(CPCCM)-Sulaco 
128 
Ministerio Agropecuario y Forestal (MAGFOR), Nicaragua 
Owner Finca Evelyn, Sulaco, Y oro, Honduras 
MI Posas, Servicios Técnicos para el Desarrollo Sostenido (SERTEDESO), Honduras 
Karen Probst, University of Hohenheim, Gerrnany 
Programa de Agricultura Sostenible en las Laderas de Centro América (PASOLAC) 
Programa Campesino a Campesino (PcaC), Nicaragua 
Proyecto de Desarrollo de San Dionisia (PRODESSA), Nicaragua 
CE Reiche, Instituto Interamericano de Cooperación para la Agricultura (IICA)- Gerrnan Agency 
for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) 
Samuel Rivera, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Forestales (ESNACIFOR), Honduras 
Saul San Martín, Servicios Técnicos para el Desarrollo Sostenido(SERTEDESO), Honduras 
W Sanchez, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Ni~aragua 
Hans Schreier, University of British Colombia, Canada 
Rheiner Schultze-Kraft, University of Hohenheim 
Alma Sosa, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Forestales (ESNACIFOR), Honduras 
Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) 
Thierry Toutin, Canadian Centre for Remete Sensing (CCRS) 
Universidad Centroamericana 
Universidad Nacional Agraria (UNA), Nicaragua 
University of EdinburgJ:l, Scotland 
University of Florida 
Sergio Vallejo, Systemes d'information localisée pour J' aménagement du territoire (Sll..AT), 
France 
Wageningen University, Neths 
N Zuniga, Comité Local para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Cuenca del río Tascalapa 
(CLODEST), Honduras 
129 
Staff List 
Colombia: 
José Ignacio Sanz (60%) 
Gregoire Leclerc (25%) 
Vicente Zapata 
Katherine Tehelen (50%) 
Arancibia Jiménez 
Sandra Dossman 
Adriana Domínguez 
María Cecilia Roa 
Honduras: 
_ Miguel Ayarza 
Guillermo Giralda 
Luis Brizuela 
Vilia Escober 
Marco Tulio Trejo 
Orlando Mejía 
Miguel Angel Méndez 
Heraldo Cruz 
Gilman Palma 
Willmer Nolasco 
María Olimpia Ramírez 
I veth Espinal 
Erundina Espinoza 
Denisse Rosdeli Alas Castro 
Arturo Nuñez 
Isaul Martinez 
Mario Rolando Pineda 
Nicaragua.· 
Jorge Alonso Beltrán 
María Eugenia Baltodano 
Dominga Tijerino 
Trinidad Reyes 
Isolda Castillo 
Juan Bosco Franco 
Fátima Sandoval 
Pedro Pablo Orozco 
Yuritza Zamora 
Pedro Torres 
Sandra Palacios 
Juan Herrera Cruz 
Students 
Colombia: 
PhD Soils. Project Manager 
PhD Physics, GIS 
PhD Communications. Capacity building 
Industrial Engineer. Administrative Assistant 
Agronomic Engineer. Research Assistant 
Graphic Designer. Communications Assistant 
Bilingual Secretary 
MSc Development. Research Associate 
PhD Soils. Regional Coordinator 
MSc Agronomy. Consultan!, Seed Systems 
B.S. Agronomy, Production Systems and Local Strengthening 
Journalist, Administrative Assistant 
B.S. Agronomy, Soils and Support to MIS Consortium 
B.S. Agronomy, Biophysical modeling and Database Management 
B.S. Agronomy, Agroenterprises 
· B.S. Agronomy, Multi-purpose Forages Evaluation 
Technician, Production Systems 
Driver 
Caretaker 
Secretary 
Caretaker 
Secretary Yorito 
Security Guard 
Para-technician SOL Project Luquigue 
Field Assistant SOL Project Luquigue 
MSc Agronomy, Local strengthening liason officer 
Economist, Bioeconomic modeling 
M_Sc Sociology. Local strengthening and capacity building 
B.S. Agronomy, Multi-purpose Forages Evaluation 
Accountant, Administrative Assistant 
B.S. Agronomy, Seeds of Hope (50%) 
Secretary 
Agronomic Engineer, Production Systems 
Secretary San Dionisia 
Driver 
Caretaker (50%) 
Caretaker, San Dionisia 
Jacobo Daniel Ríos (Universidad Javeriana) 
Honduras: 
Rein Van der Hoek (University of Hohenheim, Germany) 
Nicaragua: 
Judith Cruz Cortes (Universidad Centroamericana- UCA) 
Ligia González Mena (Universidad Centroamericana- UCA) 
Harlam Alexander Jarquin (Universidad Centroamericana- UCA) 
Kirsten Probst (University of Hohenheim, Germany) 
Martha Patricia Reañades (Universidad Centroameric¡¡.na- UCA) 
130 
List of Acronyms and Abbreviations Used 
-Acronyms 
ACDI 
ACELY 
ACRA 
ADDAC 
AFE 
A FOCO 
ALCON 
AMCRE 
AMCY 
AMHON 
AMHUPROH 
AOP 
APS 
ASOCIAL 
ASPPE 
BANADESA 
CACTRIL 
CARE 
CARITAS 
CASM 
CATIE 
CCD 
CCRS 
CDMA 
CE CAP 
CEPRODEL 
CIALs 
CIDA 
CID ES 
CIEETS 
CTh1MYT 
CIP 
CIPASLA 
CIRAD 
CIRAD-TERA 
CISP 
CLODEST 
CLOs 
Agricultura! Cooperative Development International, Colombia 
Asociación de Enlaces de Ladera 
Agenci a de Cooperación Rural en Africa y América Latina 
Asociación para la Diversificación y Desarrollo Agrícola Comunal, 
Matagalpa, Nicaragua · 
Administración Forestal del Estado, Honduras 
Apoyo a la Foresten a Comunal, Yuscarán, Honduras 
Alimerltos Concentrados agroindustry, Honduras 
Asociación Municipal de la Cuenca del río de Estelí, Nicaragua 
Asociación de Mujeres Campesinas de Yoro, Honduras 
Asociación de Municipalidades de Honduras 
Asociación de Hombres y Mujeres Progresistas de Honduras 
Annual Operational Plan 
Asociación para la Participación al Desarrollo, Honduras 
Asociación de CIAL, Honduras 
Apoyo al Sector Productivo y la Pequeña Empresa, Honduras 
Banco Nacional de Desarrollo Agrícola, Honduras 
Cooperativa Agrícola Cafetalera Triniteca, Ltda., Honduras 
Cooperative for American Remittances Everywhere 
An organization of the Roman Catholic Church 
Comisión de Acción Social Menonita, Honduras 
Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza, Costa Rica 
Comisión Cristiana de Desarrollo, Honduras 
Canadian Centre for Remote Sensing 
Centro para el Desarrollo y el Medio Ambiente, Nicaragua 
Centro de Educación y Capacitación, Nicaragua 
Centro de Promoción del Desarrollo Local, Nicaragua 
Comités de Investigación Agrícola Local 
Canadian Intemational Development Agency 
Comité Interinstitucional para el Desarrollo de Sulaco, Honduras 
Centro Intereclesial de Estudios Teológicos y Sociales, Nicaragua 
Centro Internacional de Mejoramiento de Mafz y Trigo, Mexico 
_ Centro Internacional de la Papa, Peru 
Consorcio lnterinstitucional para una Agricultura Sostenible en Laderas, 
Colombia 
Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronornique pour le 
développement, France 
CIRAD-Département territories, environnement et acteurs, France 
Comité Internacional para el Desarrollo de los Pueblos, Honduras 
Comité Local para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Cuenca del río 
Tascalapa, Honduras 
Comités Locales 
131 
CNIA 
CNIS 
COAMA 
CODESA 
COEG 
COIIDEFOR 
COMAL 
CONA ORA 
CON AS EL 
CONDESAN 
CONSULUPE 
COPECO 
CORPOCUENCAS 
CORPOICA 
CORPOTRIGO 
COVAS 
CRS 
CURLA 
CVC 
DAI 
DANIDA 
DGIS 
DICOMCAFE 
DICTA 
EAGE 
EAP-Zamorano 
ECAR 
EEC 
EIAG 
ENA 
ENGREF 
EPivfR 
ESA 
ESNACIFOR 
ETHZ 
EU 
FADCANIC 
FAlTAN 
FAO 
FARENA 
FEPROH 
FHIS 
Centro Nacional de Investigación Agropecuario, Nicaragua 
Centro Nacional de Investigación y Servicio, Nicaragua 
Comisión de Agricultura y Medio Ambiente, Honduras 
Consultores para el Desarrollo Sostenible, Honduras 
Consejo de Organizaciones de Ex-Combatientes de Guerra, Nicaragua 
Corporación Hondureña de Desarrollo Forestal 
Comercialización Alternativa, Honduras network 
Consorcio Comercial Agropecuaria, S.A. 
Coordinadora Nacional de Agricultura Sostenible, Honduras 
Consorcio para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Ecorregión Andina 
Consultores Luchando Profesionalmente con Experiencía, Honduras 
Comisionado Permanente de Contingencias, Honduras 
Corporación Vallecaucana de las Cuencas Hidrograficas y el Medio 
Ambiente 
Corporación Colombiano de Investigación Agropecuaria 
Corp oración de Productores de Trigo, Colombia 
Comprobación de Variedades 
Catholic Relief Service, Honduras 
Centro Universitario Regional del Litoral Atlántico, Honduras 
Corporación autónoma regional del Valle del Cauca, Colombia 
Development Alternative Inc. 
Danish International Development Agency 
Directoraat Generaal voor Internationale Samenwerking, (Dutch Ministry 
for Development Cooperation), Neths 
Di vis ion de Comercialización de Café, Honduras 
Dirección de Investigación de Ciencias y Tecnología Agricola, H<;mduras 
Escuela de Agricultura de Estelí, Nicaragua 
Escuela Agrícola Panamerican-Zamorano, Honduras 
·Ensayo Centroamericano de Apaptacion y Rendimiento 
European Economic Community 
Escuela InternacionAl de Agricultura y Ganadería, Nicaragua 
Escuela Nacional Agrícola de Olancho, Honduras 
Ecole nationale de genie rural des eaux et des forets, France 
Externa! Program and Management Review 
European Space Agency 
Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Forestales, Honduras 
Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule-Zentrum (Swiss Federal Institute 
ofTechnology), Zurich 
_European Union 
Fondo de Desarrollo para la Costa Atlántica de Nicaragua 
Fondo de Apoyo a la Investigación Tecn0lógica Agropecuaria de 
Nicaragua 
Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations, Italy 
Facultad de Recursos Naturales, UNA, Nicaragua 
Fomento Evnagélico para el Progreso de Honduras 
Fondo Hondureño de lnversion Social 
132 
FO:tviENTA 
FONAIAP 
FUNDER 
GTZ 
HAP 
HEPP 
lBS RAM 
ICADE 
IDB 
IDRC 
IFPRI 
IHCAFE 
IICA 
liTA 
IMC 
IN CAP 
INEC 
INFOP 
INRM 
INTA 
IPCA 
IPGRI 
IPRA 
IRD 
ISNAR 
ISP 
ISS 
ITDEA 
rwMI 
MAGFOR 
MARENA 
MIS 
MOVIMONDO 
N ORAD 
ODESAR 
PAAR 
PASOLAC 
PCaC 
PCM 
PDA 
PES 
PIIS 
PNUMA 
POLDEC 
Programa de Fomento a la atracción Animal, Nicaragua 
Fondo Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Venezuela 
Fundación Naciona! de Desarrollo Rural, Honduras 
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Techische Zusammenarbeit (Gennan Agency 
for Technical Cooperation) 
Hillsides Agricultura! Program in Haití 
Herramienta de Planificación Participativa 
Intemational Board of Soil Resources and Management, Thailand 
Instituto para la Cooperación y Autodesarrollo, Honduras 
Inter-American Development Bank, USA 
Intemational Development Research Centre, Canada 
Intemational Food Poli~y Research Institute, USA 
Instituto Hondureño del Café 
Instituto Interamericano de Cooperación para la Agricultura 
lntemational Instítute for Tropical Agriculture, Uganda 
Instituto Mujer Campesina, Nicaragua 
Institut de Nutrición de Centro América y Panamá 
Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos, Nicaragua 
Instituto Nacional de Formación Profesional, Honduras 
Integrated Natural Resource Management workshop 
Instituto Nacional-de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Nicaragua 
Investigación Participativa para Centro América project 
Intemational Plant Genetics Research Institute 
Investigación Participativa en Agricultura/Participatory Research in 
Agriculture of CIA T 
Institut de recherche pour le développement, France 
Intemational Service for National Agricultura! Research 
Instituto San Pedro, Yorito, Honduras 
·-Institute for Social Studies, the Hague, Neths 
Intelligent Team Decision Assistant 
Intemational Water Management Institute 
Ministerio Agropecuario y Forestal, Nicaragua 
Ministerio de Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Nicaragua 
Manejo Integrado de los Suelos de Centro América consortium 
NGO for intemational cooperation and solidarity, Honduras 
Norwegian Agency for Cooperatíon for Development 
Organización ~e Desarrollo Sostenible Agrícola, Nicaragua 
Programa de Administración de Areas Rurales, Honduras 
Programa de Agricultura Sostenible en las Laderas de Centro América 
Programa Campesino a Campesino, Nicaragua 
Proyecto de Cuencas Municipales of CARE 
Proyecto de Desarrollo de Area, Y oro, Honduras 
Productores Empresarios de Semillas Artesanales 
Productores Independientes e Innovadores de Sulaco, Honduras 
Progama de las Naciones Unidas para el Medio Ambiente 
Polo de Desarrollo Ecológico de Limay, Nicaragua 
133 
POSAF 
PPO 
PRECODEPA 
PRM 
PROCAFOR 
PRO CES 
PROCIG 
PRODERCO 
PRODESSA 
PROFRIJOL 
PROLESUR 
PRONADERS 
RAOS 
REDOLYS 
RERURAL 
SAG 
SDC 
SERNA 
SERTEDESO 
Sll..AT 
SOH 
SOL 
SPSS 
SWAT 
SWNM 
TROPISEC 
UCA 
UCR 
UCOSD 
UMATAs 
UNA 
UNALM 
UNAN 
UNI 
UNICAFE 
UPEG 
USAID 
USDA 
VIDAC 
WEPP 
ZOPP 
Programa Socioambiental Forestal, Nicaragua 
Participative Planning by Objective method 
Programa Cooperativa de Papa 
Programa Regional de Ma'iz 
Programa Regional de Desarrollo Forestal Centroamericano, Nicaragua 
Proyecto Censo Estratégico 
Proyecto Centroamericano de Información Geográfica 
Proyecto de Desarrollo Región Centro Oriente, Honduras 
Proyecto de Desarrollo de San Dionisia, Nicaragua 
Proyecto Regional de Frijol para Centro América, México y el Cari be 
Proyecto Lempira Sur, Honduras 
Programa Nacional de Desarrollo Sostenible 
Regional de Agricultura Organica de la Sierra, Honduras 
Red de Organizaciones Locales de Yorito y Sulaco, Honduras 
Proyecto de Reactivación de la Economía Rural, Honduras 
Secretaria ·de Agricultura y Ganadería, Honduras 
Swiss Development Cooperation. 
Secretaria de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente, Honduras 
Servicios Técnicos para el Desarrollo Sostenido, Honduras 
Systemes d'information localisée pour l'aménagement du territoire, 
France 
Seeds of Hope Project 
Supermercado de Opciones para Ladera (Hillsides Options Supermarket) 
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software 
Soil and Water Assessment Tool -
Soil Water and Nutrient Managem~nt program 
Programa del Trópico Seco Nicaraguense 
Universidad Centroamericana 
Universidad de Costa Rica 
-
Union de Campesinos Organizados de San Dionisia, Nicaragua 
Unidades Municipales de Asistencia Técnica Agropecuaria, Colombia 
Universidad Nacional Agraria, Nicaragua 
Universidad Nacional Agraria "La Malina", Peru 
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua 
Universidad Nacional de lngenieria, Nicaragua 
Union Nacional de Cafetaleros, Nicaragua 
Unidad de Planeamiento y Evaluación de Gestión, Honduras 
United States Agency for lntemational Development, W A 
United States Department of Agriculture 
Vivero de Adaptación Centro Americano de grano rojo 
Water Erosion Prediction Project of USDA and Makerere University 
Zielorientierte Projekt Plannung 
134 
Abbreviations 
DEM 
DS 
DSS 
GIS 
GOs 
GPS 
IPR 
M&E 
NARS 
NGO 
NRM 
PCAP 
PM&E 
PPI 
RCBD 
digital elevation model 
decision support 
decision support system 
geographic infonnation systems 
govemment organizations 
global positioning system 
intel lectual property rights 
monitoring and evaluation 
nationul agricultura! research systems 
nongovemmental organization 
natural resource management 
per capita agricultura! productivity 
participatory monitoring and evaluation 
proyectos productivos integrados 
randomized complete block design 
135